Education Beat

As a wave of protests on university campuses call for a ceasefire in Gaza and for universities to divest from companies with military ties to Israel, student journalists have emerged as crucial sources of information.  At some schools, student journalists are the only regular source of news on campus grounds, especially when campuses have shut down to non-students. In some cases, they’ve scooped mainstream media, with the most accurate, up-to-date coverage.  Increasingly, student journalists are doing this work under threats of arrest and violence. Guests: Chris Woodard, Managing editor, The State Hornet Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Mallika Seshadri, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: As protests surge across college campuses, student journalists report from the front lines Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

California has one of the lowest rates of English literacy in the U.S. Almost one third of adults in the state can do little more than fill out a basic form or read a very simple piece of writing in English. Many of them are immigrants. Experts say programs aimed at addressing poor literacy reach only a fraction of adults who need help. One way to reach them is to bring classes directly to the workplace. Guests: Marcelina Chamu, Janitor Emma Gallegos, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: When you can't read a medicine bottle: California immigrants struggle with low English literacy Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Almost 2,000 teachers across California received notices they might be laid off this year, a huge increase compared to last year. School districts are facing budget cuts, with federal Covid relief funding expiring, enrollment declining and state funding leveling off. Although some who got these "pink slips" will ultimately be asked to stay on, teachers say the threat of being laid off is demoralizing and layoffs affect the ability of districts to recruit new teachers. With California experiencing an ongoing teacher shortage, what is the impact of this flood of pink slips on schools and teachers? Guests: Jacob Willis, Second grade teacher, San Diego Unified School District Diana Lambert, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Anxious California teachers with pink slips await word on jobs next school year Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Sam Prater knows what it feels like to be homeless. After he dropped out of high school, he was evicted twice in his hometown of Detroit. So when he saw homeless students being offered just 14 days in college dorms in California, he knew he had to try something different. Prater's organization now has four homes in L.A. that offer wraparound services to young people experiencing homelessness, to help them jump-start their lives and their college education. A visit offers a peek at what these homes offer. Guests: Sam Prater, Founder, Los Angeles Room & Board Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: 'No place like this.' L.A. home helps young adults live beyond survival mode Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Financial aid and admissions officers across California's colleges and universities are navigating longer hours and more stress, as they deal with unprecedented havoc in this year's rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Hear from financial aid workers as they help students and their families navigate the application morass. Why has California seen heavier impacts from the FAFSA delays? And what is the state doing to mitigate the fallout? Guests: Kamila Juarez, graduating senior, Grace Davis High School Sonia Jethani, director of financial aid and scholarships at CSU East Bay Jeanette Phillips, director of financial aid and scholarships at Cal Poly Pomona Jessica Wagoner, senior associate vice president for enrollment management and services at Cal Poly Pomona Read more from EdSource: California’s universities navigate unprecedented FAFSA mistakes and delays  FAFSA delays make it difficult for students to finalize college decisions Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Ashley A. Smith and produced by Coby McDonald.

Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, many California students have struggled to attend class regularly. Recent data shows that even last school year, when kids were back in person and there were fewer Covid regulations, nearly a quarter of students statewide missed more than 10% of the school year. But some school districts, like Fresno Unified, have managed to bring many of their missing students back to class. What's their secret? Guests: Abigail Arii, Director of Student Support Services, Fresno Unified School District Noreida Pérez, Attendance Manager, Fresno Unified School District Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Lasherica Thornton, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Calls, home visits, counseling help get California students back to school Interactive Map: Chronic absenteeism up in nearly a third of 930 California districts California’s dramatic jump in chronically absent students part of a nationwide surge Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

A growing body of research shows that having a Black teacher increases students' scores on math and reading tests and increases the chance that they will graduate from college. California has been trying to recruit and retain Black teachers for years, but the percentage of Black teachers still lags behind the percentage of Black students. What’s keeping Black teachers from getting to and staying in the classroom? And how can we do more to support them? Guests: Alicia Simba, Teacher, Oakland Unified School District Diana Lambert, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Disrespect, low pay, lack of support keep Black teachers out of the profession Bias, extra work and feelings of isolation: 5 Black teachers tell their stories California, districts try to recruit and retain Black teachers; advocates say more should be done Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

If you or your child were enrolled in a California public school in first grade through high school in 2021-22, you might have money for college waiting for you. More than a year and a half ago, California launched a big initiative to help children from low income families save money for college. It’s called the California Kids Investment and Development Savings program, or just CalKIDS. The program has the potential to serve 3.6 million kids, but only a tiny fraction of those have signed up to activate their accounts. Who’s eligible for CalKIDS? And what needs to happen to get the word out to more families? Guests: Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas, Board trustee, Fresno Unified School District Lasherica Thornton, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: What to know about free money waiting in state-funded savings accounts | Quick Guide Few low-income Californians claiming kids' free money in college savings accounts Find out if you or your child is eligible here Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

A catastrophic forest fire roared through Northern California’s Butte County in 2018, taking 86 lives and destroying countless homes in the town of Paradise. To help kids cope with their fear, grief and loss, the county office of education sent a team of artists into the schools. One of those teaching artists shares how he's seen theater help children heal from trauma. Guests: Chris Murphy, Trauma-informed teaching artist, Butte County Office of Education Karen D'Souza, Reporter, EdSource EdSource Roundtable: Raising the curtain on Prop 28: Can arts education help transform California schools? Read more from EdSource: Can arts education help children heal from trauma? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The pandemic forced colleges and universities to move most courses online. But even today, many colleges and universities continue to offer online classes, and more than half of students nationwide are taking them. These courses offer more flexibility and the possibility of enrolling more students. But what do students think of them? EdSource’s California Student Journalism Corps asked students on seven campuses across the state. Guests: Ally Valiente, Student at Sonoma State University and Member of California Student Journalism Corps Kelcie Lee, Student at UC Berkeley and Member of California Student Journalism Corps Also featuring the voices of students Eli Baker, Stephen Chase, and Isabella Uhlik. Read more from EdSource: What California college students think about online classes Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

For young people who have been incarcerated, it can be hard to find a job or get the training they might need to start a career or go to college. California is trying to change that, with a program called #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, which places people ages 16 to 30 in jobs for a few months or up to a year and helps them prepare for careers that they might not otherwise be able to access. Guests: Kaelyn Carter, Member, #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps Ebony Richardson, Re-entry Coach, Rubicon Landscape Group Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: California's Youth Job Corps offers a second chance at career, higher education Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

As a child, Blanca Rubio was given coloring books rather than reading lessons, because she didn't speak English fluently. Now, she is spearheading an effort to require California school districts to teach all the basic skills needed for children to learn to read, based on research. How will reading instruction change if a new bill authored by Rubio becomes law? What obstacles might it face? Guests: Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), California State Assembly John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Setting aside local control, legislation would mandate how to teach reading in California Advocates for English learners and the 'science of reading' sign on to joint statement California's plan to change literacy instruction advances California does little to ensure all kids read by third grade A movement rises to change the teaching of reading Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The vast majority of students in California graduate from high school, but most don't complete the classes needed for admission into the state’s public universities. Black and Latino students are the least likely to finish these courses, known as A through G requirements. Victor Valley Union High School District is determined to change that. Guests: Aleka Jackson-Jarrell, Coordinator of the Heritage Program, Victor Valley Union High School District Emma Gallegos, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Most California high school seniors shut out of even applying to the state’s universities Find out how many seniors finished A-G courses at your high school on this interactive map Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely. This episode was produced by Jennifer Molina.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Maria O's daughters were in kindergarten and third grade in Los Angeles Unified. They didn't get a working computer from the district and had to connect to Zoom classes on their parents' phones. But Maria was even more concerned about the other children in their classes, who she noticed were not showing up at all or were not interacting with their teachers. So Maria decided to fight for them. Her children are two of 15 students in Oakland and Los Angeles who sued the state of California over unequal educational opportunities provided during the pandemic. Now, the state has settled, bringing billions to schools to focus on students who were most affected. Guests: Maria O., Plaintiff, Cayla J. vs. California John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource Read more from EdSource: California agrees to target the most struggling students to settle learning-loss lawsuit Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely. This episode was produced by Jennifer Molina.

As California schools ramp up arts education, they may need 15,000 new teachers who are passionate about both the arts and teaching the next generation.  One person with both those passions is Guillermo Tejeda. He's a jazz musician and former classroom teacher who's currently developing music production curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade. Guests: Guillermo Tejeda, Musician and teacher, The Neighborhood Orchestra Collective Karen D'Souza, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Teacher uses jazz to explore California history, race and culture Gov. Newsom’s budget proposal calls for expanding arts ed pathway Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely. This episode was produced by Jennifer Molina.

California State University faculty announced a historic week-long strike, after months of negotiations. So students braced for a week of missed classes. Then, something surprising happened. After one day, a deal was reached.  The strike did what months of back-and-forth discussions couldn’t — improve faculty wages and working conditions. How significant was this strike? What did faculty win? Guest: Aimee Escalante, Lecturer, Cal State Monterey Bay Other voices: Leora Freedman, Chancellor for human resources, California State University Kate Ozment, Professor, Cal Poly Pomona Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Ashley A. Smith and produced by Jennifer Molina.

When Giselle Meza found out she was pregnant, she was worried her classmates would judge her, and she had no idea when or if she would finish high school. But now, after joining a teen parent program, she's committed to graduating and going on to community college to become an ultrasound technician. How do teen parent programs help students finish high school and go on to college or careers? And how do they help the babies they are raising? Guests: Giselle Meza, Student, Helping Our Parenting Students Excel (HOPE), Kings Valley Academy Lasherica Thornton, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Hanford program supports teen parents while they finish high school Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely. This episode is produced by Jennifer Molina.

Every January, we turn to our resident fortuneteller, John Fensterwald, for his predictions of what will transpire in California education in the coming year. This year, he predicts a state budget deficit will create financial stress for schools and contentious statewide ballot issues will create stress for voters. Guest: John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource Read more from EdSource: California education issues to watch in 2024 — and predictions Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely. This episode is produced by Jennifer Molina.

Estela López grew up in South Central Los Angeles, and she still lives and works just minutes from her childhood home. She has served in neighborhood schools for 30 years, first as a teacher and now as the principal of Dolores Huerta Elementary School. She has made it her mission to make sure her school is a refuge for children in the neighborhood, and her reach extends far beyond the walls of her school to help families secure housing, healthcare, and food. When she was grieving the loss of her oldest son, the children at her school helped her heal. Guests: Estela López, Principal, Dolores Huerta Elementary School, Los Angeles Unified School District Mallika Seshadri, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: ‘My mission’: Dolores Huerta Elementary Principal Estela Lopez extends support to community Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

It can be overwhelming for any parent to advocate for support in school for a child with a disability. But parents who don't speak much English face another major hurdle: getting accurate and timely translations of the documents and meetings so they can understand them. Some parents report waiting months or even a year for translations of their children's special education documents. A bill in the California legislature could help, but its future is uncertain. Guests: Carmen Rodríguez, Parent, San Francisco Unified School District Zaidee Stavely, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Immigrant parents report faulty, slow translation of special education documents Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource's Emma Gallegos and produced by Coby McDonald.

More California superintendents are leaving to go to other jobs, or retiring, than ever before. The stress of the pandemic, politics and even violent threats all play into superintendent turnover. Why are superintendents leaving? And what are districts doing to try to retain and attract them? Guests: Chris Evans, former superintendent, Natomas Unified School District Diana Lambert, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Threats, stress and politics pushing school superintendents out the door Why five superintendents decided to walk away from their jobs Superintendents: Well-paid and walking away Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Two years after schools returned to in-person learning, students are struggling to meet math and English standards on statewide tests. Their mental health is also suffering and they're missing lots of days of school. EdSource brought together a panel of experts to discuss what schools and districts can do to re-engage students, and how teachers can energize and learn from each other. There was one very strong theme — the need for students to feel like they belong at school. Guests: Adalberto Hernández, Principal, George Washington Elementary School, Madera Unified School District Chris Collins, Data and assessment coordinator, Cajon Valley Union School District Yolie Flores, President and CEO, Families in Schools Heather Hough, executive director, Policy Analysis for California Education John Malloy, Superintendent, San Ramon Valley Unified School District John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource Read more from EdSource and watch the roundtable: Boosting student success after Covid is a team effort, panel says Flat test scores leave California far behind pre-Covid levels of achievement Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

As a saxophonist in Boston's Klezmer Conservatory Band in 1985, Merryl Goldberg traveled to the Soviet Union to meet up with another group of musicians, The Phantom Orchestra. The Phantom Orchestra would be sharing more than good tunes with Merryl.  They’d also pass along information, including the names of people who wanted to escape the Soviet Union, which Merryl and her friends would then smuggle back to the United States. To do this, Merryl made up a secret code, hidden in sheet music. Now Merryl's spy days are long behind her. But she is still passionate about how music and other arts can enrich other fields, including cybersecurity. Guests: Merryl Goldberg, Professor, California State University San Marcos Karen D'Souza, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Merryl Goldberg, a music professor on a mission to spread arts education Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Bonnie Pérez took child development classes at night while working as a nanny during the day. But she didn’t see a lot of other nannies in her classes, largely because the classes were all in English.  Bonnie saw an untapped group of people with lots of hands-on experience working with kids and who could help fill a shortage of preschool teachers in the state. A new California law removes barriers to allow more students to enroll in courses taught in Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, Korean and other languages. Guests: Bonnie Pérez, Professor of child development, West Los Angeles College Michael Burke, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Community college students can take classes in their native language under a new law Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Students new to the country often find themselves in the classrooms of teachers with very little training or support in how to meet their unique needs. Listen to veteran teacher Jenna Hewitt King describe how her first day teaching newcomers made her feel like a new teacher all over again — and how a new law, Assembly Bill 714, could begin to provide guidance and data for teachers like her. Guests: Jenna Hewitt King, Teacher, San Leandro High School Zaidee Stavely, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Teachers of recently arrived immigrant students to get help under new law Commentary: Our newcomer students deserve better Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Emma Gallegos and produced by Coby McDonald.

The California State University board of trustees voted last month to increase tuition 6 percent every year for five years, beginning in the fall of 2024. The rate increase will affect both undergraduate and graduate students, and there’s been vocal opposition from students, faculty and staff. EdSource’s California Journalism Corps fanned out to ask students how they think the tuition hike could affect decisions to enroll at Cal State. Guests: Olivia Keeler, Journalism student and member, California Student Journalism Corps Arabel Meyer, Journalism student and member, California Student Journalism Corps Ashley A. Smith, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Cal State students will see 6% tuition hike CSU students sound off on impact of upcoming tuition increase Cal State graduation rates remain flat for second consecutive year Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Fresno teachers are voting this Wednesday on whether or not to strike, if the union and the district can’t come to an agreement on class size, teacher pay and benefits. The first and only time Fresno teachers have been on strike before was 45 years ago, in 1978. What can we learn from those who were involved in both sides of that strike? Guests: Barbara Mendes, retired teacher, Fresno Unified School District Nancy Richardson, former school board president, Fresno Unified School District Lasherica Thornton, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Lessons from the 1978 teachers strike in Fresno Fresno Unified teachers very likely to strike. Here are the issues Fresno teachers union rejects district’s offer of pay increases, expanded medical benefits Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

A high school drama teacher was removed from the classroom in Temecula Valley Unified, after a parent complained students were reading the Pulitzer-prize-winning play, “Angels in America,” about the AIDS epidemic in New York during the 1980s. It’s the latest in a series of efforts by newly elected conservative school board members to change curriculum in the district. What happened in the months after the teacher’s removal? And how is it affecting other teachers and students? Guests: Greg Bailey, Drama teacher, Temecula Valley High School Mallika Seshadri, Journalism resident, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Learning at Temecula Valley Unified suffers as censorship fears rise LGBTQ+ students in conservative crosshairs Temecula Valley Unified CRT ban has created a hostile school environment, lawsuit says Temecula Valley Unified reverses course and adopts state-approved social studies curriculum Temecula board again votes to reject textbooks, despite warnings from Newsom Conservatives are waging a war for control over California school boards Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Patrick Acuña spent 30 years behind bars advocating for higher education. Despite having several learning disabilities, he found that education was the path forward to repairing his life and helping his community. Guests: Patrick Acuña, senior at UC Irvine Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: After 30 years in California prison, he starts new life at UC Irvine Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Ashley A. Smith and produced by Coby McDonald.

When Natale Canepa was stuck at home to take college classes online in 2020, he was miserable. He couldn’t get outside as much to see nature, and he couldn’t whistle, his favorite pastime. So when in-person classes returned to San Diego State, Natale celebrated by whistling at his favorite pocket of nature on campus — the turtle pond. Now known as the Turtle Pond Whistler, Natale spreads joy and has attracted more students to the turtle pond. How can green spaces like the turtle pond raise students’ spirits and improve mental health? Guests: Natale Canepa, Student and turtle pond whistler, San Diego State University Noah Lyons, Journalism student and member, California Student Journalism Corps Read more from EdSource: More college campuses leveraging the outdoors to support student mental health Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

There’s a glaring problem since schools reopened for in-person instruction post-pandemic — lots of kids are missing class. The number of students in California absent for 10% or more of the school year has more than doubled since before the pandemic. Almost 2 million California students were chronically absent in 2021-22, the most recent year for which data is available. What are the root causes of students missing school? And how are school districts addressing this problem? Hear from a parent, school leaders and researchers from around the state. Guests: Hedy Chang, Founder and executive director, Attendance Works Tom O’Malley, Superintendent, Modoc Joint Unified School District Erica Peterson, Director of education and engagement, School Innovations and Achievement Ofelia Sofía Ryan, President of the Association of Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors, Los Angeles Unified School District Renee Slater, Mother and teacher, Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: California’s dramatic jump in chronically absent students part of a nationwide surge Watch the roundtable: Reaching kindergarten parents is key to addressing dramatic post-pandemic rise in chronic absenteeism, panel says Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Arts and music have long been slashed from many school budgets, but all California schools are about to see new, ongoing investment in the arts — equal to about $1 billion this year. Listen to the story of one arts teacher and hear from our reporter about how art can help students grow, and what students and parents can expect to see at their schools. Guests: Allison Gamlen, Visual and performing arts coordinator, San Mateo County Office of Education Karen D’Souza, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Allison Gamlen’s journey from actor to arts educator Behind the scenes: California’s new arts education plans Proposition 28, a windfall for arts education, but implementation poses challenges Arts education funding in California: How will Proposition 28 roll out? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

When anti-Asian hate crimes began to spike in 2020, world history teacher Jeff Kim searched for a way to respond “with love and wisdom.” His answer: to help students to know and tell their own stories of resilience through a Korean American studies course. Listen to how this course — the first of its kind — began at Anaheim Union High School District, and what it aims to teach students. Guests: Jeff Kim, World history and Korean American studies teacher, Anaheim Union High School District Emma Gallegos, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Orange County district pioneers new Korean American studies course for high school Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The last couple of years have seen an expansion of bachelor’s degree programs in prison. Inside the first women’s program at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, incarcerated women are working to rebuild their lives by pursuing these higher degrees. Guests: Melanie Gandara, formerly incarcerated student Canesha Sherron Sinclair, incarcerated student Kelsey Morasci, incarcerated student Professor Tad Bellew, anthropology professor, Fresno State University Professor Keramet Reiter, criminology and law professor, University of California, Irvine Allen Burnett, formerly incarcerated student Read more from EdSource: Students earn college degrees in expanded California prison program Commentary | The trouble with labels: words become prophesy Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Ashley A. Smith and produced by Coby McDonald.

A new program in Los Angeles County helps low-income parents take the early childhood education classes they need to become preschool teachers. The program aims to both help fill a shortage of early educators and help parents build their careers. Listen to how one mom fulfills a childhood dream to become a teacher, even joining classes from a hospital bed. Guests: Georgina Perez, Participant, Universal Pre-Kindergarten Career Development Initiative Mallika Seshadri, Journalism resident, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Nearly 100 parents in LA County are on the verge of becoming teachers through a new collaborative program Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

When teachers and administrators return to their rural hometowns to work in the schools, they can make a huge impact. They understand what it’s like to live in remote areas, everybody in the community knows them and they often stick around. In one superintendent’s case, he’s increased the number of high school graduates and students who attend college. Guests: Tom O’Malley, Superintendent, Modoc Joint Unified School District Cara Nixon, Journalism intern, EdSource Read more from EdSource: When California educators return to their rural hometowns, the result can be ‘brain gain’ How one rural school district is overcoming geographic barriers to higher education Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The Covid-19 pandemic shaped the graduating class of 2022 in many ways. They’re adaptable, able to learn online or change their college or career paths when needed. EdSource followed 12 graduates from the Class of 2022 through their first year after high school. In this episode, three of them share how the pandemic helped them learn how to make the most out of life, and strive for their goals. Guests: Gannon Peebles, Student, Columbia University Tatiana Torres, Graduate of Los Medanos College; Transfer student, UC Berkeley Jennifer Tran, Student, UC Berkeley Diana Lambert, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Class of 2022 back on track and moving beyond the Covid pandemic Read the whole series Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The California State University system’s handling of sexual and gender misconduct complaints has been under the spotlight for more than a year. In this episode, EdSource reporters Thomas Peele and Ashley A. Smith discuss their reporting examining the outcomes of sexual harassment and misconduct complaints at CSU. They also discuss a new report from an independent law firm and a state audit of CSU’s handling of Title IX complaints. What do those reports reveal and what might come of them? Guests: Thomas Peele, Investigative reporter, EdSource Ashley A. Smith, Higher education reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Cal State needs to fix a broken system of addressing sexual harassment and discrimination complaints, report says California State Auditor also finds Cal State failed to address some sexual harassment on campuses Read all our reporting on CSU’S Title IX Reckoning Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

California has a new math framework that stresses making math relevant to all students’ lives and teaching big ideas and concepts. Critics say it will cause more students to fail, by de-emphasizing math operations, discouraging districts from giving advanced students algebra in eighth grade, and for its approach to data science in high school. Listen to how one teacher thinks the framework will bring math alive for her students, and to our reporter on the controversies surrounding it. Guests: Rebecca Pariso, 7th grade math teacher, Hueneme Elementary School District; Member, Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource Read more from EdSource: State Board of Education passes new California math framework UC committee changes admission standard for data science, causing confusion over math framework Next, maybe last, big test for California’s controversial math framework A sample of public comments on math framework Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a plan to eliminate a large part of student debt and banned colleges and universities from considering race in admissions. Both decisions will have a disproportionate effect on Black and Latino students. An advocate for youth and a reporter discuss the rulings and what they mean for Californians. Guests: Kristin McGuire, Executive director, Young Invincibles Michael Burke, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: U.S. Supreme Court rejects student loan forgiveness Supreme Court rules against affirmative action in college admissions University of California looks to ‘share expertise’ after decades without affirmative action Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

California State Preschools are asking new questions of families about the languages their children speak at home. Fresno Unified has been doing this kind of family interview for almost a decade. Preschool teachers use the information to help plan curriculum and incorporate songs and books in children’s home languages, including Spanish and Hmong. How does including home languages enrich preschool classrooms and help children become bilingual? Guest: Jessica Gutiérrez, Program manager for early learning, Fresno Unified School District Read more from EdSource: Does your child speak a language other than English? California preschools want to know Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Nearly three years ago, the Creek fire devastated the community of Big Creek and the town’s only elementary school. Since then, rebuilding has been a long, arduous and frustrating process as some families remain homeless, cope with their mental health and face barriers to seeing their community rebuilt. Guests: Jimmie Eggers, superintendent-principal of Big Creek Elementary Carolyn Jones, EdSource reporter Read more from EdSource: Frustration after a fire: Recovery for rural schools can be long and complex Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This episode is hosted by EdSource’s Ashley A. Smith and produced by Coby McDonald.

When Ana Franquis’ family was evicted, they had nowhere to turn. Their local school district helped them out, with food, diapers, even hotel vouchers. How are school districts using pandemic funds to find and support homeless students? And what will happen when the funds run out? Guests: Ana Franquis, Mother, Monterey Peninsula Unified District Betty Márquez Rosales, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Amid pockets of rising student homelessness, California districts tap Covid funding to help families Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

In Selma Unified School District in the Central Valley, two therapy dogs are helping destigmatize mental health services. Jeter and Scout help identify students who need help, and they give students a soft, cuddly entry to therapy. Guests: Kristy Rangel, Lead mental health clinician, Selma Unified School District Ronnie, Student, Selma Unified School District Lasherica Thornton, Journalism resident, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Therapy dogs changed the culture of mental health in this Central Valley district Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

A school lunch lady’s response after the Oklahoma City bombing sparked a new understanding of how teachers and school staff can help students recover from traumatic events, from wildfires and floods to school shootings. As wildfire and flood season approaches in California, leading experts in childhood trauma and school crisis and disaster recovery discuss how schools can best prepare for natural disasters and other traumatic events, and what happens if they don’t. Guests: Marleen Wong, Co-founder, Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces Pamela Vona, Co-founder, Center for Safe and Resilient Schools and Workplaces Carolyn Jones, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Fires, floods, shootings: How schools can help students thrive after traumatic events Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

At El Cerrito High School, in West Contra Costa Unified, students produce and host their own radio shows. Some DJ their own music shows, while others host talk radio programs, with topics ranging from political affairs to chess to dating advice. There’s even an old-time radio drama, based on original scripts from the 1950s. What does it take to produce high school radio? And what are students getting out of it? Voices: Ace Lackey, Senior, El Cerrito High School Xavier Ramos, Senior, El Cerrito High School Jeanne Marie Acceturo, Radio teacher, El Cerrito High School Ali Tadayon, Reporter, EdSource With clips from radio shows, including “Confused Chess,” “Insert Title Here,” “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar,” “Togomexsalvi,” and “EC Talk Show.” Read more from EdSource: El Cerrito High School students run their own radio shows as part of class Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

The University of California is considering a proposal this week to allow hiring undocumented students for jobs at any of its 10 campuses. The proposal is based on a legal theory that a federal ban on hiring undocumented immigrants does not apply to states. Proponents say it would allow undocumented students to have the same access as other students to research and other campus jobs. Critics say it would encourage unauthorized immigration. What’s motivating this UC proposal? Guests: Jeffry Umaña Muñoz, Student, UCLA Michael Burke, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: University of California’s undocumented students push for right to campus jobs Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

California schools in communities from Pajaro in Monterey County to Planada in Merced County were flooded earlier this year by torrential rains, causing major damage. The flooding isn’t over yet. A record snowpack is poised to melt and send rivers surging over their banks. And according to an EdSource analysis of federal data, more than a fifth of the state’s K-12 schools are at a high or moderate risk of flooding. What can school districts and state government do to prepare, and to help reduce the risk of flooding? Guests: José González, Superintendent, Planada Elementary School District Thomas Peele, Investigative reporter, EdSource Emma Gallegos, Equity reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: California schools face ‘deep trouble’ as flooding danger looms How a Central Valley school district prepares for the terrifying threat of disastrous flooding One in 5 California schools located in moderate or high flood risk areas What’s your California school’s flood risk? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.

Parents and teachers often stop reading aloud to children as they get older and can read on their own. But reading aloud actually helps students with fluency and vocabulary and boosts their own reading skills. Hear from a teacher who reads aloud to her fifth graders and from our reporter who wrote about the power of reading aloud. Guests: Michelle Talbot, Fifth grade teacher, Marguerite Hahn Elementary School, Rohnert Park Karen D’Souza, Reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: The magic of story time: Why is reading aloud to kids so important? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Marie’Sa Rumsey, member of the EdSource California Student Journalism Corps, contributed to this episode.

As EdSource reporter Diana Lambert followed the Class of 2022, she found many of them had started their own businesses, selling everything from beauty products to photography sessions. It turns out it’s a trend among recent high school and college graduates. What’s fueling this new surge in student entrepreneurship? Guests: Tamiya Williams, student, American River College, and Entrepreneur, Sydnis Serenity Diana Lambert, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Covid inspired students to grow their own businesses Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.