Inside the fight against California’s charter schools Twenty-five years after the California Charter School Act allowed public money to fund charter schools, advocates across the state are waging legal and legislative fights. Los Angeles Times, by Maureen Magee Is cleaning house the best way for schools to deal with sexual abuse? Sexual-abuse scandals often lead...

Districts’ leaders anticipate higher math scores this year Statewide, scores on the Smarter Balanced math tests, administered for the first time last spring, were especially disappointing. But new curriculum, teacher training and expanded student access to technology raise hopes for this year’s scores. EdSource, by Theresa Harrington Op-Ed: LAUSD needs to reverse its neglect of...

Scalia’s death likely to alter outcome in Friedrichs lawsuit The CTA will likely gain an unexpected victory, at least for now, in its legal battle to continue the right to require all teachers to pay the costs of collective bargaining. EdSource, by John Fensterwald Commentary: Teachers aren’t shocked young people now shun the profession Judging...

As LAUSD charter schools conflict escalates, here’s what you need to know Here’s a look at why this week appeared to escalate the conflict between the forces for and against charter schools in Los Angeles. KPCC, by Adolfo Guzman-Lopez Porter Ranch gas leak stopped, officials say The methane leak that caused thousands to flee their...

L.A. teachers union seeks to raise dues as it fights a charter school push This week the union asked its 32,000 members — down from 45,000 in 2008 — to raise their dues by nearly a third. The votes will be counted Wednesday. Los Angeles Times, by Howard Blume ICE agents won’t be going onto...

Vote on smaller June school construction bond possible within a week The move would require a rapid series of committee and floor votes to meet ballot deadlines over the next week, and success is far from certain. Sacramento Bee, by Jim Miller Hoaxers increasingly going online to threaten schools In almost every instance, the threats...

Under the leaking roofs of Los Angeles Unified schools Every time El Niño dumps rain on the city, dozens of LA Unified schools feel the impact of old architecture and outdated roofs. Los Angeles Times, by Sonali Kohli How two San Fernando Valley schools have kept learning after an epic gas leak After LA Unified took the...

Michelle King talks to 100 community leaders Speaking at an NAACP reception at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the new LAUSD superintendent discussed her plans and challenges for the district. Los Angeles Wave, by Cynthia Gibson What happens to the $63 million if no one claims California lottery ticket? Money from unclaimed lottery tickets goes...

Troubling audit on mental health services for students A state audit has revealed problem areas in mental health services at some schools, including reductions in services and, in some cases, a backlog of unspent cash. Cabinet Report, by Kimberly Beltran State sends mixed messages on Smarter Balanced test participation The federal No Child Left Behind...

Legislators challenge Sacramento to tackle teacher shortage Three California lawmakers have introduced a package of bills designed to attract new teachers to the profession. EdSource, by Louis Freedberg and John Fensterwald As California faces a dire teacher shortage, should other states worry too? A new report suggests that California should expand routes to the classroom...