Report Distance Learning Strategies in California Schools By Niu Gao, Laura Hill, Julien Lafortune Apr 14, 2021 Learning gaps are a growing concern after a year of online instruction. During the pandemic, uneven distribution of resources may have widened gaps and led to learning loss for some students. Our survey outlines how California school districts addressed remote learning and their strategies to improve instruction in the 2020–21 school year.
blog post California Sees Steep Decline in Financial Aid Applications By Kevin Cook Mar 12, 2021 Far fewer California high school seniors completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this year, reducing the number who may receive funding that helps provide access to higher education.
blog post To Speed Up Vaccine Distribution, Improve Broadband Access among Seniors By Niu Gao, Joseph Hayes Feb 25, 2021 Seniors rely on the internet to check vaccine availability and set up appointments. Disparities in broadband access may compound challenges for many communities already hit hard by the pandemic.
blog post Video: A Conversation with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis By Stephanie Barton Feb 10, 2021 Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis talks with PPIC’s Mark Baldassare about state efforts to combat COVID-19 and address the economic impact of the pandemic.
blog post Newsom’s Budget Advances Long-Overdue Education Data System By Jacob Jackson Jan 29, 2021 The governor’s proposed state budget includes $18.8 million in funds to move forward with a “cradle to career” data system that would provide valuable information for educators, policymakers, students, and parents.
blog post Commentary: To Help Address Learning Disparities, Boost Internet Access for Low-Income Students By Niu Gao, Julien Lafortune, Laura Hill Jan 6, 2021 Since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring, California has made substantial progress in expanding access to digital devices needed for K–12 distance learning. But inequities in access to broadband internet remain a challenge.
blog post How Is the Pandemic Affecting California’s Independent, Nonprofit Colleges? By Kevin Cook Dec 3, 2020 COVID-19 has created a number of disruptions for higher education institutions. We talked with Kristen Soares, president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, about how these institutions are addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.
blog post More California Students Are Getting Live Instruction, but Gaps Remain By Niu Gao, Laura Hill, Julien Lafortune Nov 20, 2020 The share of K-12 students receiving live instruction this fall is slightly higher than in the spring. However, notable equity gaps—by income, parental education, and race/ethnicity—persist.
blog post More Students Have Digital Devices, but Internet Gaps Persist By Niu Gao, Julien Lafortune, Laura Hill Oct 27, 2020 State investments have increased the share of California students with digital devices at home, but disparities remain when it comes to reliable internet access.
Report Who Is Losing Ground with Distance Learning in California? By Niu Gao, Julien Lafortune, Laura Hill Oct 19, 2020 As the pandemic continues, K–12 districts must understand where and how to refine remote instruction. In this report, we examine obstacles and disparities that may have caused some California students to fall behind after the switch to distance learning last spring, and we offer insights to help schools develop interventions to best serve these students.
