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.
Report Improving College Pathways in California By Niu Gao, Hans Johnson Nov 27, 2017 Far too many California students are falling off the pathway to and through college. At current rates of high school and college completion, only about 30 percent of California 9th graders will earn a bachelor’s degree, a rate that is insufficient for an economy that increasingly demands more highly educated workers.
blog post Video: Reforming Remedial Math in Community College By Linda Strean Oct 30, 2017 Promising reforms in developmental—or remedial—math are underway at California’s community colleges. Some are promising, but there is room for improvement.
