Education

Can California keep ICE away from schools? Lawmakers want to try as crackdowns loom

California legislators want to limit deportation actions at schools, but they can’t ban immigration officials.

A white wall with metal hangers lined with children's school backpacks of various colors.

How to get college credit from job training, the military or even a hobby

There's an effort to broaden the ways that students may be able to receive credit for what they’ve learned outside a college classroom, whether on the job, through volunteering or even a hobby.

Two women stand in front of a lecture hall, both wearing masks. On the screen behind them is a slide that reads "Limitations of Chat GPT." Only about half of the visible seats are occupied.

New law inspired by ex-lawmaker’s DUI adds to alcohol education in California schools

California schools to teach students about the short- and long-term harms of excessive drinking and related health risks.

A person counts dollar bills at a cashier's register blocked by a window. A cashier is on the other side looking down with various bottles behind him and small products in front.

California has many education problems. Here's what we learned about solutions in 2024

The LAist education team this year worked to bring nuance to difficulties the state faces, and shine a light on solutions that can fly under the radar. Here's some of what we learned along the way.

Cheerleaders in uniform walk in a single line past two bright yellow and black school buses. The buses are parked in front of a gray building that has the words "South El Monte High School" displayed in front.

State takes another step toward mandatory testing for reading difficulties in 2025

Panel of experts chooses reading difficulty screeners that districts can use for kindergarten through second grade.

Children sitting around a circular table using interactive books and iPads while using headphones.

LAUSD settles lawsuit over federal money it unlawfully denied to Archdiocese schools

LAUSD pledges to obey federal law, agrees to pay $3 million for services for low-income students.

A group of students sit on a purple, blue, green, orange and red striped carpet in a classroom. A teacher sits in front of them on a chair with a book on her lap.

California bans schools from forcing teachers to ‘out’ LGBTQ students

New California law prevents schools from requiring staff to notify parents if a student identifies as LGBTQ.

A group of 5 people stand holding blue, pink,, and white signs reading "trans rights are human rights."

University of California resolves federal complaints over its handling of discrimination cases

The U.S. Department of Education investigated complaints that five campuses didn't properly address harassment or discrimination related to protests over the war in Gaza.