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This week, Anne Vasquez, EdSource's new executive director, outlines her vision for the organization. She reflects on how growing up in Miami — the daughter of immigrants fleeing Cuba penniless under Fidel Castro — shaped her perspectives on education and the dual roles of equity and merit in providing opportunities for all of California's children. The veteran journalist, newspaper executive and former chief digital officer for Tribune Publishing discusses how strengthening storytelling can widen EdSource's audience of teachers and parents. She was interviewed by podcast host John Fensterwald Recent EdSource columns by Anne Vasquez: A case for redefining merit in education Why a return to the classroom was scary but worth it Note: Our podcast will take a short hiatus and return later this summer with some exciting changes. Stay tuned for more details. 

The U.S. is confronting the rise of white supremacy, disinformation, and extreme threats to democracy — while a global pandemic has created the worst health and economic emergency of our time. How can educators cultivate the informed, engaged, and effective citizenry we desperately need to ensure the strengthening of a socially just democracy? Research shows that teaching controversial issues leads to students' increased political knowledge, interest and engagement, but for a range of reasons educators often avoid it. Events this week were a reminder of the controversial issues that teachers and students could take on, but often don't. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict took another deadly turn, Republican leaders blocked efforts to set up bipartisan commission to look into the Jan. 6 invasion of the Capitol, and the U.S. Supreme Court took on a case that could further erode a woman's right to an abortion. Hosted by Louis Freedberg, we  devote this week's podcast to this critically important issue. Our guests are: Pedro Noguera, Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, who authored a recent essay in Newsweek on "Tolerance doesn't mean avoiding the 'ugly' side of U.S. history." Judy Pace, professor of education at the University of San Francisco, and author of Hard Questions: Learning to Teach Controversial Issues (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021). Check out Pace's summary of key elements for effective teaching of controversial issues here. Her work is supported by  the Spencer Foundation. Going Deeper:  Educating for American Democracy: Excellence in History and Civics for All Learners,” iCivics, March 2, 2021. Educating for Civic Reasoning and Discourse, National Academy of Education, May 2021. The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education, Diana Hess & Paula McAvoy, 2016. Resources for Educators Civics Education Resources Annals of Social Studies Research for Teachers (ASSERT) Education for Sustainable Democracy (Podcast)

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to spark the postsecondary aspirations of all families by creating $500 college savings accounts for all current low income public school students and future ones as they enter the 1st grade, with extra amounts for foster and homeless children, at a cost of $2 billion. The proposal was a surprise piece of his $20 billion, 5-year "transformational" package for preK-12 schools in the May state budget revision that he presented this week. College savings accounts are not a new concept but they've never been done on this scale. We discuss the merits and specifics with two leaders of Oakland Promise, an organization that already has an extensive college savings plan and college readiness programs in place. Also, we speak with UC Berkeley Law professor Christopher Edley, Jr. about why he wants to lead Berkeley's Graduate School of Education for the next two years. Edley, a long-time advocate for education equity, will become the school's interim dean in July, replacing Dean Prudence Carter who is stepping down. John Fensterwald and Louis Freedberg are the co-hosts. Our guests are: Mia Bonta, CEO, Oakland Promise Amanda Feinstein, director, Brilliant Baby, Oakland Promise Christopher Edley, law professor and incoming dean, UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education For background, read these EdSource stories: Newsom proposes universal transitional kindergarten, new programs for low-income students 'College Promise' programs reaching more students in California

Like a Category 4 hurricane, Covid-19 has undermined the state's newly built California School Dashboard and system of state and county support for schools deemed to need help for poor performance. It could be a few years before the system is fully back up and running. Meanwhile, school districts and charter schools are getting tens of billions of dollars in state and federal Covid relief to spend. Advocates for low-income students are thrilled about the prospects for post-pandemic help for students but also worry a once-in-a-generation opportunity will be missed if money isn't spent effectively. This week, we explore these issues with: Heather Hough, executive director of the nonprofit research organization Policy Analysis for California Education or PACE; John Affeldt, managing attorney and education equity director for the public interest law firm, Public Advocates; Sara Noguchi, superintendent of the 30,000-student K-12 district,  Modesto City Schools. For background, read these EdSource stories: Mental health, equity should be schools’ focus as students return, report says $31 billion in federal coronavirus relief coming soon to schools, college students and universities Find out how much California school districts and charter schools will get in Covid relief  Local assessments an option if statewide tests aren't viable during pandemic, California officials signal Also of interest: Reimagine and Rebuild California Schools: Restarting School with Equity at the Center

Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week that school districts and the state's 2- and 4-year colleges and universities should reopen to full in-person instruction after June 15. The California Department of Public Health announced the state would end the color-coded tier system that restricted openings of businesses and schools.  The combined announcements signal a big step toward normalcy. In this week's podcast, we explore the impact of Newsom's pronouncement on the fall for K-12 schools and community colleges. A key positive takeaway said the chief lobbyist for the Association of California School Administrators, is that hybrid instruction (combining in-person and remote learning) won't be necessary, and districts should plan with that in mind. Community colleges welcomed the message but some will phase in reopening cautiously, with an eye on vaccination numbers and Covid-19 trends this summer, said the president of a San Diego area college and the chancellor of the community college system. Both said they expect to be able to reverse the steep decline in enrollment at many of the system's 115 colleges that offer on-campus instruction. John Fensterwald and Louis Freedberg are the cohosts. Our guests are: Edgar Zazueta, Senior Director of Policy and Government Relations for ACSA, the Association of California School Administrators Eloy Ortiz Oakley, Chancellor, California Community Colleges Jack Kahn, Interim President, Palomar Community College in San Diego County For background, read these EdSource stories: Gov. Newsom expects full in-person fall return to school after state scraps color-coded tiers California Community Colleges chancellor urges slow reopening How California high schools plan to pull off ‘normal’ graduations

After an enervating school year reeling from Covid, many students are looking at the prospect of a mind-numbing summer school with dread. To entice them and their teachers back to the classroom, some school districts are redesigning summer programs, recognizing that unpressured and engaging activities, combining tutoring and physical exercise, may provide a needed transition to reopening in the fall – particularly for students set back most by the pandemic. For weary district administrators, the timing is tough, but the need is unprecedented, as is the money — billions of new federal and state dollars waiting to be spent. This week, we look at opportunities and options of expanded summer learning. We speak with the head of a nonprofit that's been promoting innovative programs for two decades and the program director in a district that has been successful in building community partnerships. John Fensterwald and Louis Freedberg are the cohosts. The guests are: Jennifer Peck, president and CEO of  Partnership for Children and Youth,  an organization championing high-quality learning opportunities Amanda Reedy, administrator of Gilroy Unified's Power School and after-school programs For background, read these EdSource stories: To reopen safely and responsibly, schools need their afterschool partners After-school programs can help students during pandemic California schools to get $15.3 billion in federal aid under American Rescue Plan Find out how much California school districts and charter schools will get in Covid relief : a database Also of interest: Make Your Summer Game Plan:  a series of webinars for K-12 leaders and community partners

This week, we look at the future of ethnic studies in California high schools. Earlier this month, the State Board of Education adopted an ethnic studies framework after two years of rewriting and contentious public hearings generating tens of thousands of comments. Though called a model curriculum, it's not a blueprint or mandate; instead, it consists of principles goals, guides for instruction and sample lessons. Disagreements remain over how ethnic studies should be taught and what course content should look like, and districts now have the challenge of providing the answers. This week's guests express strong and contrasting views on what ethnic studies should and should not be in a state as diverse as California. John Fensterwald and Louis Freedberg are the co-hosts. Guests are: Manuel Rustin, Pasadena Unified history teacher and chairman, Instructional Quality Commission Theresa Montaño, professor of Chicana & Chicano Studies, CSU Northridge Lori Meyers, co-founder, Educators for Excellence in Ethnic Studies For background, read these EdSource stories: After 8 hours, 250-plus speakers, California board adopts ethnic studies model curriculum A final vote, after many rewrites, for California's controversial ethnic studies curriculum Gov. Newsom vetoes requirement for ethnic studies course in high school In addition, check out these related cites: Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, as presented to and adopted by State Board of Education Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Coalition  Educators for Excellence in Ethnic Studies Manuel Rustin's' weekly podcast All of the Above: An Unstandardized Take on Education

For weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom was saying that teachers should be be a priority to be vaccinated, but it wasn't clear what he meant. This week, he put power behind his pledge to allocate 10% of the state's vaccines to school employees over the next few weeks by setting clear and uniform priorities for which of them should be at the front of the line to get their shots. Alameda County Supt. L.K. Monroe, president of CCSESA which represents all 58 county offices of education, explains the policy and its implications for California's hardest hit communities. And Heber Marquez, a teacher in Los Angeles Unified who lives and works in Maywood, a Covid-stricken  city in Los Angeles County, explains why families, and teachers, are hesitant to send students back to school until vaccines are more widely available. Also, Brooks Allen, executive director of the State Board of Education, and an advisor to Gov.Newsom, sums up the status of standardized tests in math and English this year known as the Smarter Balanced Assessments.   This week the  U.S. Department of Education told states they need to do testing of some kind, while giving them flexibility to modify the tests, how they can be reported and when they can be given.  The State Board of Education spent hours debating the issue this week. For background on these issues, check out the following: California sets priorities for vaccination of teachers and school employees Why some school districts are open for in-person instruction but in some cases, neighboring ones aren’t New cases of Covid-19 fall dramatically in California, enabling more schools to reopen Rising tensions, heated words add pressure to reach a deal soon on reopening California schools California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, expressing the frustration of many parents, sues San Francisco's school board and superintendent to try to force city schools to reopen. Gov. Gavin Newsom, worried about further potential delays, clarifies that vaccinating teachers is a priority but not a prerequisite for returning to school for in-person instruction. With the Legislature soon to weigh in on its position on reopening schools, it's been a busy week of jostling to put stakes in the ground. We get reactions to the issues: San Francisco Unified Superintendent Vincent Matthews says he's exasperated that city officials made inaccurate accusations and sued before sitting down to talk. California Teachers Association President E. Toby Boyd insists that vaccinating teachers who are heading back to school is a key piece to ensuring students and staff are safe, and time is needed to put protections in place. Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools Dave Gordon, meanwhile, says his county and 13 districts are ready and waiting to vaccinate all school staff in clinics within two weeks — as soon as the vaccines arrive. For background on these issues, check out the following: Dispute widens between Gov. Newsom, school employee unions over reopening campuses Joining national debate, San Francisco enters uncharted territory in battle over reopening schools California schools consider extending next school year while mental health remains a concern Quick Guide: What California’s color-coded county tracking system means for schools

This week, John and Ryan Smith, external officer for the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, reflect on the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and its impact on students watching the event, and they share 2021 predictions for education in California. John wagers his "fensters" against Ryan's "smiths" on odds of schools reopening for in-person instruction, the state budget, a recall of Gavin Newsom, ethnic studies' passage, a teacher shortage, and the pandemic's impact on the classroom. Keep your own scorecard and file it away until January 2022. For background on these issues, check out the following: California educators condemn and reflect on Capitol attack California education issues to watch in 2021 — and predictions of what will happen California education issues to watch in 2020 — and predictions of what will happen

Heading into 2021, California's K-12 districts, child care providers, and colleges and universities will get about $8.5 billion in federal coronavirus relief that Congress approved this week. Leilani Aguinaldo, governmental relations director for School Services of California, outlines the K-12 portion. Districts with large numbers of low-income families will get an outsized share (see EdSource's database  for each districts's amount). We end the last podcast of the year with an appreciation of teachers. Respected educator Ken Futernick describes Teacher Stories, a website he founded where parents and students can describe how teachers changed their lives; two contributors read their expressions of gratitude. And fifth-grade teacher Thomas Courtney, featured on Teacher Stories, tells us how he finds energy and joy connecting with two generations of students in his 22 years in San Diego schools. For background on these issues, check out the following: California school districts, charter schools to get $6.8 billion, in varying amounts, of federal aid Covid relief by district in California, an EdSource database Congress approves billions more in Covid relief for schools and college Teacher Stories, Ken Futernick's teacher appreciation website San Diego teacher Thomas Courtney's interview with Ken Futernic

It's great or terrible timing for California's new Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. The 112-page report from the Newsom administration outlines plans to expand preschool, child care and paid family leave, and boost pay and training for the early childhood workers over the next decade. Its release in the midst of a pandemic bodes poorly for big new spending next year. But, importantly, it also signals that early childhood education should be as much of a priority as the Master Plan for Higher Education was 60 years ago. This week, we take stock of the master plan from several angles. EdSource early education reporter Karen D'Souza provides context for the document and what might happen next. Kim Johnson, director of California’s Department of Social Services, describes the critical and expanding role of her department in consolidating child care programs and services to make them more consistent and comprehensive.  Marlene Zepeda, professor emeritus in the Department of Child and Family Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, explains the importance of the master plan's recognition of the need to identify and assess dual-language learners at an early age.  For background on these issues, check out the following: Master Plan for Early Learning and Care: Making California for All Kids Another step toward universal preschool in California? Preschoolers learning English need to be identified, supported, says California’s master plan New Master Plan for Early Learning and Care points way to California for all (commentary)  Inside California’s new master plan to reshape early education and child care

California is violating the constitutional rights of low-income children of color who are bearing the brunt of the shortcomings of distance learning statewide through deficient technology and ineffective instruction, a lawsuit filed this week is charging. The State Board of Education and the California Department of Education, in particular, have failed to prevent and address these inequities, the public interest law firm Public Counsel alleges in Cayla J v California, named for an 8-year-old Oakland student. We speak with Jesselyn Friley, a lead attorney in the case, who explains the need for the lawsuit and possible remedies. Plus, in a departing interview with EdSource, CSU Chancellor Tim White, who is stepping down after 8 years, relates that despite the pandemic, the 23-campus system had historically high first-year student retention rates, and is on target to meet ambitious 4- and 6-year graduation rates by 2025. He also discusses the challenges ahead for next year's budget. For background on these issues, check out the following: Public Counsel's complaint in Cayla J v. State of California Public Counsel's Sept. 8, 2020 letter to State Supt. Tony Thurmond and State Board President Linda Darling Hammond and their response (see pages 67 to 84 of the complaint) Up to 1 million California students may still lack connectivity during distance learning Retiring CSU Chancellor White says pandemic changes can benefit higher ed Next CSU chancellor pledges to improve graduation rates, despite the pandemic Newsom’s proposed budget cuts to higher education force difficult choices ahead

Thanksgiving is Americans' holiday to express gratitude. In a growing number of schools in California, students do this as part of their day. This week, we meet Brandi Quintero, chair of the English Department at Lindsay High School, who is building a spirit of kindness and a positive mindset among her students by incorporating gratitude exercises inspired by the education site GiveThx.org. Listen to students from her school and from Impact Academy of Arts and Technology in Hayward read notes of gratitude to their classmates. Also this week, President-elect Joe Biden named Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security, signaling that refugees and DACA recipients will again be welcome in the United States. Mayorkas, brought to America as an infant by parents fleeing from Fidel Castro's Cuba, implemented the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program while head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Obama administration.  We listen to a passage from a speech in which he describes a life-changing visit to a refugee camp on the Somalia-Kenya border.  For background on these issues, check out the following: Biden's nominee for homeland security chief likely to change immigration policies affecting children and youth Trump administration refuses to accept new applications for DACA program Many undocumented youth remain in limbo after Supreme Court’s DACA decision GiveThx  – website designed to strengthen students social and emotional skills through expressions of gratitude Parents’ appreciation for teachers grows, but sentiments are simpler

This week, President-elect Joe Biden named his 20-person education transition team headed by California State Board of Education president Linda Darling-Hammond. Martha Kanter, who served as undersecretary of education in the Obama-Biden administration, talks with EdSource about Biden’s big ideas for education. "Look for plans to increase Pell Grants and unprecedented attention to community colleges," she said. EdSource higher education reporter Ashley Smith highlights other likely priorities, including the renewal, by executive order of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). And Louis delves into how preschool and K-12 will benefit – assuming a potentially divided Congress goes along. With Covid-19 infection rates soaring, three more counties were reclassified as "purple," meaning schools can't reopen for at least several weeks. Christopher Hoffman, superintendent of Elk Grove Unified, the state's fifth largest district near Sacramento, talks about the impact of a further delay in going back to in-person instruction. For background on this issue, check out the following: Community colleges find an advocate in future First Lady Jill Biden President-elect Joe Biden’s expansive education agenda expected to draw greater scrutiny Education transition team for Biden administration announced, with Linda Darling-Hammond as “lead” Rising Covid-19 rates halt school reopening plans in three California counties Education and the coronavirus crisis: What’s the latest?

This week, we gather some of California's smart observers to talk about the election and its impact on schools. Pedro Noguera, dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, who debated Prop. 209's creator Ward Connerly 24 years ago, shares his thoughts on why voters didn't rescind it in voting down Prop. 16 this week. He discusses what can be done to further the goals of more inclusive college admissions without affirmative action. And he diagnoses why Prop. 15, which would increase taxes on commercial properties, is behind in the vote.  Also discussing Prop. 15 are supporters Ryan Smith, chief external officer for the Partnership for LA Schools, and Jeff Freitas, president of the California Federation of Teachers. They agree that the energy of the community coalition behind Prop. 15 can be channeled for future tax campaigns even if this one falls short.  School consultant and finance expert Bob Blattner advises school districts not to count on federal aid to get them through a potentially bleak coming year — while expressing hope that a Biden administration and Congress may funnel significant stimulus aid to schools. And Jessica Ramos, student board member of Oakland Unified, shares how she and others managed a successful campaign to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections — and the difference it may make in their education. For background on this issue, check out the following: Unclear ballot language, lack of time to connect with voters explain affirmative action loss, backers say Dropping affirmative action had huge impact on California’s public universities California’s Proposition 15, to raise commercial property taxes, in tight race Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property Biden’s exhaustive education agenda — and Trump’s skimpy one — get short shrift during long campaign California student activists push to lower voting age to advocate for change

What history and civics teacher wouldn't relish teaching the Biden-Trump presidential election? Apparently many in California. This week, Devin Hess, an academic coordinator for the UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project, elaborates on what podcast cohost John Fensterwald found in EdSource article this week: There are many reasons why some teachers are choosing to teach the election process but not the issues dividing voters and candidates in the polarizing presidential race. Also, with new EdSource data showing more districts are returning to in-person instruction or considering it, we speak with Capistrano Unified Superintendent Kirsten Vital on how the state's 7th largest district is offering a full-day program for K-5 students, split between regular instruction inside school and additional time under tents. And El Dorado County Superintendent Ed Manansala talks about how a district-county partnership solved the coronavirus testing and contact tracing dilemma, enabling students in the county's 15 districts to return to school. For background on this issue, check out the following: High school teachers in California wary of taking on contentious Biden-Trump election Helping students to sort facts from lies on the internet UC Berkeley History/Social Science Project Discord and Crisis: The 2020 Election, webinars co-hosted by Devin Hess (sign up for Nov. 10 post-election webinar) A look at Orange County as first in a wave of school reopenings in California Students getting in-person instruction at accelerating pace in California Map: In-Person Instruction and Distance Learning in California

On Election Day, Californians will have a chance to repeal the ban on affirmative action voters approved in 1996. Proposition 16, which is struggling in the polls, would permit applying diversity as a factor in public employment, contracting and education, including in hiring and, to an extent, college admissions decisions.  For the last quarter century, most of the spotlight has been on how affirmative action has affected enrollments at the University of California's flagship campuses. This week, we speak with Prop. 16 advocate Elisha Smith Arrillaga, executive director of the nonprofit Education Trust-West, about how passage might enable the state to target K-12 funding for underserved minorities and recruit more Black and Latino teachers. Luoluo Hong, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management for the CSU, discusses how race and gender considerations might help with scholarship programs for Black and Latino students, faculty retention programs and recruitment of women students to STEM programs. But even if Prop. 16 were approved, in a series of landmark cases the U.S. Supreme Court has placed substantial restrictions on how affirmative action can be used. Stanford Law professor Ralph Richard Banks argues that affirmative action is still a useful tool -- but it has to be applied carefully to pass constitutional muster.   Finally, the father of Prop. 209, Ward Connerly, a UC regent at time, makes a pitch for keeping what he, more than anyone else, wrote and helped pass. For background on this issue, check out the following: In historic reversal, University of California regents endorse push to end ban on affirmative action California universities prepare for possible return of affirmative action in admissions California ballot measure to lift ban on affirmative action widely opposed by surveyed voters CSU trustees endorse repeal of affirmative action ban

Throughout California, few high schools have reopened in counties where health data say they can. Scheduling can be a nightmare, social distancing is a challenge, and there are worries about the asymptomatic spread of the coronavirus to staff and families. This week, we speak with Donnie Rafter, principal of Beckman High in Tustin Unified in Orange County, which reopened three weeks ago. Students come to school in small groups a couple days a week and participate from home the other days. The same teachers broadcast lessons daily to students who to want only do remote learning. There's no Covid-19 testing of students and staff — and no infections, so far. Also, UCLA Education Professor John Rogers discusses a report he co-authored that examined the unheralded efforts by principals nationwide to meet the emotional, nutritional and financial needs of their students when the coronavirus hit. The survey revealed widening learning gaps in low-income communities that were thrust into distance learning with growing challenges and unmet needs for computers and internet connections. For background to this podcast, check out the following: Learning Lessons: U.S. Public High Schools and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spring 2020 Oct. 15 webinar on the Learning Lessons study with John Rogers, moderated by Louis Freedberg Up to 1 million California students may still lack connectivity during distance learning Schools need additional funding to cope with pandemic crisis, voters say Quick Guide: What California’s color-coded county tracking system means for schools

An initiative on the Nov. 3 statewide ballot presents the first attempt in five decades to modify Proposition 13's all-but-sacred limits on property taxes. This week, we delve into Proposition 15. By requiring that commercial properties be reassessed every three years, it could generate as much as $11 billion per year, with 40% going to K-12 schools and community colleges. It wouldn't touch restrictions on residential properties. We focus on two highly disputed issues: Is Prop. 15 a smart way to raise education funding ? Would it harm small businesses? UC Berkeley Professor Jesse Rothstein from the Yes on 15 campaign and former Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles from the No on 15 clearly disagree on the answers. Also: The traumatic effects on children of the wildfires savaging California will linger for months and years after the flames are out. EdSource reporter Carolyn Jones discusses what we can learn from the past experiences of devastating fires in Butte and Sonoma counties. For background to this podcast, check out the following: Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property How Prop. 15 would increase K-12 districts' funding Even when the smoke clears, schools find student trauma can linger Gov. Newsom vetoes requirement for ethnic studies course in high school Also vetoed: A fix to the funding formula Gov. Newsom's veto message for AB 1835, on Local Control Funding Formula reform Gov. Newsom's veto message for AB 331, on ethnic studies