The biggest issue facing the nation’s biggest public school system – California’s, with six million students – is a stubborn “achievement gap.” That’s the term educators use to describe persistent differences between what white and Asian students learn, as revealed by academic testing, and what Latino, black and poor students...
Walters: School Accountability Good for Some, Not Others?
Last year, in his final budget as governor, Jerry Brown proudly proclaimed a new policy to encourage the state’s 114 community colleges to pay more attention to how their students are faring. “By funding colleges based primarily on enrollment, the current funding formula encourages districts to strictly prioritize student access...
‘He’s Shady’: Ringleader in College Scandal Irritated Others
NEWPORT BEACH — For 25 years, William "Rick" Singer was in the business of helping high school students get into some of the country's top colleges, gaining a reputation as a master salesman who got results, but also someone who came across as devious and way too slick, say some...
Fresno State Strives to Reach Youth of Color With 'Super Sunday'
In an effort to inspire black youth to consider college, Fresno State President Joseph Castro will kick off CSU Super Sunday this weekend at Image Church New Generation in southwest Fresno. "I am excited about this unique opportunity to connect with prospective students and their families, as well as community members...
LA Teachers Go on Strike in 2nd-Largest US School District
LOS ANGELES — Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district. "Students, we are striking for you," teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told a cheering crowd of teachers marching in pouring rain. Members of United Teachers...
Fresno State Cupboard Feeds Student Success
Many Fresno State students struggle to afford food at some point during their college experience while also juggling the cost of books, tuition, and other living expenses. The university's student cupboard was created to address this all-too-common food security need, said Mary Castro, . Over 6,000 Visits in a Month With more...
Fresno Unified, EOC Provide Free Meals Over Winter Break
With the winter break in full effect at Fresno Unified, some students may wonder where they are going to get their next meal. FUSD and the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission are alleviating those concerns. In an effort that began Monday, any student at Fresno Unified and anyone ages 1 to 18 can...
Her Reading Heart Inspires Students Across Fresno
Danay Ferguson founded Reading Heart when she was just 8 years old, making her the youngest registered entrepreneur in Fresno County history, according to the nonprofit's website. "It first started out with my love of reading," Danay said, "and I wanted to share that with everybody else." The avid reader is...
Everyone Gets Their Kicks at School's Special Olympics Event
Whenever Julian Lorenzo is on the soccer field, he aims to achieve one of two goals. "Be a winner and to do my best," said Lorenzo, a 7th-grade special education student at Rio Vista Middle School. Lorenzo did both at the school's second annual Special Olympics Soccer event. Special Olympics...
Looking For Skills in High-Demand Careers? Check Out CTEC.
There's still time for students interested in a different kind of education to enroll at CTEC — Fresno's newest high school. What Is CTEC? At the Career Technical Education Charter High School, students have the opportunity to study not only subjects like math, English, and science, but also technical courses such as...