Report K–12 Reforms and California’s English Learner Achievement Gap By Laura Hill May 30, 2018 English Learner (EL) students have been a key part of California’s K–12 system for decades. They currently make up about 21 percent of the public school population. English Learner status is meant to be temporary, and indeed, reclassified English Learners (those who are deemed English proficient) are among the best-performing students in the state. But students who remain ELs for longer periods generally have poor outcomes.
blog post New Admission Requirements at the University of California? By Niu Gao, Hans Johnson May 21, 2018 The University of California is considering increasing minimum science requirements for admission, a move that will challenge California high schools to prepare students for the changes.
blog post Video: Implementing New K–12 Science Standards By Susan Gluss Mar 13, 2018 A panel of experts discussed the findings of a new PPIC report that assesses the implementation of new science standards in California's K–12 schools, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
event Implementing the Next Generation Science Standards Mar 8, 2018 California’s K–12 schools are implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The state and its school districts hope the new standards will transform the way science is taught. How has implementation been going? And how can the state help districts improve science education? PPIC researcher Niu Gao will outline the findings of a new report, and a panel of state and district experts will discuss the challenges and benefits of NGSS implementation.
Report Implementing the Next Generation Science Standards: Early Evidence from California By Niu Gao, Lunna Lopes, Grace Lee, Sara Adan Mar 6, 2018 The California State Board of Education (SBE) adopted the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to transform science teaching and learning in K–12 schools in 2013. The new standards emphasize “three-dimensional learning”: disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices.
blog post Prioritizing Computer Science in California Schools By Niu Gao, Courtney Lee Mar 6, 2018 The fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs in the US require computer science knowledge, but California is falling behind in preparing students with these skills.
blog post California Needs More Math and Science Teachers By Niu Gao, Patrick Murphy Feb 27, 2018 The state needs a bigger, younger, more diverse pool of math and science teachers.
blog post California Needs More College Prep Courses By Niu Gao Nov 30, 2017 To improve student readiness for college, districts and schools need to increase the number of college prep courses.
Fact Sheet California’s High School Graduation Requirements By Niu Gao, Lunna Lopes, Grace Lee Nov 27, 2017
