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2010
March 11
Santa Cruz school board calls on state to fund education SC Sentinel
State replaces 3 dozen schools on “worst” list Educated Guess
US public eduction needs a bailout American Public Media
Kansas City to shutter 50% of district schools CNN
Panel proposes single standard for all schools NY Times
Why is there so much unhealthy food in schools? Fooducate
Does fighting obesity also mean fighting corporations? Food Politics
SF students ask Pelosi for better school food SF Gate
It takes a rocket scientist to fix school food Huffington Post
We’re sorry about school lunch Simple Good & Tasty
March 10
Stimulus money on hold Educated Guess
Feds to California: Prove maintenance of effort EdWeek
Federal agency to investigate LA schools LA Times
Lag time in tracing tainted food puts kids at risk USA Today
Education activists need strategy beyond marches BeyondChron
March 9
Imperfect list of “worst” schools Educated Guess
California must press ahead with second Race to Top application SJ Mercury News
Three Pajaro Valley schools named among states lowest achieving SC Sentinel
Controversial school list link to state’s quest for federal funds California Watch
School food advocacy beyond the $1 billion Healthy Schools Campaign
March 8
Bailing out schools: More taxes or reforms? SC Sentinel
California to list 187 lowest performing schools SJ Mercury News
Lincoln plans to increase nutrition spending AgWeek
Teachers agree: End “quality-blind” layoffs Educated Guess
Districts explore four day week Wall Street Journal
March 7
Former “No Child” advocate turns critic NPR
Did Governor snooker legislature? SJ Mercury News
Fix the shortfall yourself, Sacramento SF Gate
March 6
Why did California fail Race to Top test? SF Gate
Questions sink two Schwarzenegger school board appointees California Watch
No Child law is highlight of hearings on education NY Times
First, let’s fire all of the teachers Huffington Post
Snack food is on a roll, but under attack Star Telegram
March 5
As public education goes, so goes California SJ Mercury News
California disqualified from receiving federal school funds LA Times
Schwarzenegger seeks bolder action as state loses out on federal schools funds Sacramento Bee
Big cuts, high anxiety in Cupertino Educated Guess
Race to the top means more than just new charter laws California Watch
Jamie Oliver vs. the school lunch Time
School lunch program can reverse child obesity California Watch
Fixing school lunch in America Slow Food USA
Advocates argue school lunch could be healthier and cheaper KTVU (video)
For healthier kids, increase federal school lunch budget Washington Post
March 4
Layoffs and reductions approved by Santa Cruz City Schools board SC Sentinel
Education rallying begins early as K-12 and college leaders speak SC Sentinel
Prop 98 fight at core of state budget debate Capitol Weekly
A brief Proposition 98 primer Capitol Weekly
California’s charter schools earn a failing grade on civil rights Huffington Post
March 3
PVUSD deal calls for shorter school years SC Sentinel
Furious times at Central Falls Educated Guess
Kids feed Capitol Hill to beef up school lunch money NPR
Jamie Escalante battles cancer LA Times
Some question new power held by school site councils Bakersfield.com
March 2
Business and schools need to help one another SJ Mercury News
Obama backs rewarding districts that police failing schools NY Times
State on no one’s Race to Top short list Educated Guess
Michelle Obama talks to school food group Chicago Sun Times
In middle school, charting their course to college and beyond NY Times
Can kids sweat their way to academic excellence? Great Schools
March 1
March 4 Day of Action: Historic day for education? SC Sentinel
Schools in state fired up for Day of Action SF Gate
Death and the Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch LA Times
Helping America become a grad nation The White House blog
Diane Ravitch’s conversion The Educated Guess
Michelle Obama: Small things make a difference Washington Post
AVID helps students in the middle to succeed Arizona Republic
How a DC school puts fresh food on lunchroom tables Washington Post
February 26
State delays list of lowest performers Educated Guess
Making schools the model for healthier environments RWJF
Historic opportunity to advance health & nutrition of our kids Let’s Move
February 25
Santa Cruz City Schools board hears from Adult Ed, parcel tax proponents SC Sentinel
US students need to play catch-up Obama says LA Times
Schwarzenegger appoints new Education Secretary SF Gate
A vote to fire all teachers at a failing high school NY Times
Are school lunches setting kids up for obesity? Alternet
First Lady aims for kids in top physical shape Washington Post
First Lady talks Let’s Move Obamafoodorama
Michelle Obama shares the emotion behind her movement Washington Post
February 24
Orchard planted at Bay View to teach sustainability SC Sentinel
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack presents vision for Child Nutrition USDA
What works in middle schools Educated Guess
Vilsack highlights Youtube
Obama prods states to raise academic standards SF Gate
Securing our future through our children’s health Huffington Post
LA teachers gain control of 22 campuses in reform effort LA Times
February 23
Scotts Valley schools: bond or parcel tax to reduce budget woes SC Sentinel
Live discussion: How will you pay for college SC Sentinel
Over 900 pink slips likely for SF schools SF Gate
Rae Belisle leaving EdVoice Educated Guess
Obama plan would tie Title 1 to college/career standards Ed Week
California schools served recalled meat Food Safety News
February 22
Ed groups ask Duncan to reject waiver Educated Guess
Obama to propose new standards in reading and math NY Times
Teaching kids to eat healthily: school food in France Yahoo News
February 21
Down with Parent Power Washington Post
Sacramento school survey identifies priorities Sacramento Bee
Race to the Top high school commencement challenge White House
Michelle Obama to governors: Let’s act, let’s move ABC News
February 20
Survey finds voters want K-12 schools funded EdBrief
First Lady takes obesity campaign to Philly school Washington Post
Consultant: Shut down CalPADS now Educated Guess
Complacency adds to fiscal crisis in education SF Gate
National education funding crisis worsens UCLA IDEA
February 19
Pacific Collegiate sees jump in applications; lottery sees joy, sadness SC Sentinel
Ambitious education database crashes California Watch
School lunch bunch Good Times Santa Cruz
February 18
Fixing funding for schools California Progress
Ambitious education database crashes California Watch
A fine line when ads and children mix NY Times
Federal initiatives target child nutrition Education Week
Food politics in LA: Hungry for change LA Times
Pomona High School named AVID demonstration school The Sun
February 17
Fiscal woes push up class size Wall Street Journal
Parent trigger education law may soon get first test California Watch
Full Circle Fund’s Rx for schools Educated Guess
Unions willing to negotiate cut in school year LA Times
Bill Clinton joins fight against childhood obesity NY Daily News
Can Michelle Obama make the math work for better school food? Grist
Houston schools set standard for school breakfast Share our Strength
February 16
Santa Cruz High wins mock trial SC Sentinel
Stimulus law’s futile goal of reform Educated Guess
February 13
Live discussion: Santa Cruz schools and their budget concerns SC Sentinel
LAUSD may cut school year to save cash LA Daily News
LA Unified may cut school year by 6 days LA Times
February 12
California still an AP leader, for now Educated Guess
Jamie Oliver’s wish: Teach every child about food TED
First Lady raises profile of school lunch reform Food Safety News
Class size reduction flexibility revisited EdBrief
February 11
Preliminary SCCS budget approved, Adult Ed, maintenance slashed SC Sentinel
California students among most successful on AP tests LA Times
Michele Obama’s plan for healthy school meals faces funding hurdles Newsweek
February 10
Santa Cruz City Schools to hash out $5.4 million in cuts SC Sentinel
Public education in California faces perilous funding cliff California Watch
Childhood obesity battle taken up by First Lady NY Times
Obamas take on problem of obese children Washington Post
Backgrounder on Obama obesity initiative Obamafoodorama
February 9
First Lady announces “Let’s Move” Campaign against childhood obesity Let’s Move
Michelle Obama aims to end childhood obesity in a generation USA Today
AG Secretary pushes school nutrition plan Washington Post
Academic program aids students in preparing for college VC Star
February 8
Data don’t tell full story in charter segregation study Educated Guess
WWII program enlisted for war on obesity SF Gate
Pajaro Valley schools scrape by with fewer workers SC Sentinel
A federal effort to push junk food out of schools NY Times
An AVID approach: Program pushes students to aim high Island Packet
With federal stimulus money gone, many schools face budget gaps NY Times
Charter school founder faces financial scrutiny NY Times
February 7
Santa Cruz 4th graders read one hundred to donate one million SC Sentinel
Seeking game changing solutions to childhood obesity USDA
Schools association works to tackle obstacles together SC Sentinel
USDA tightens requirements to assure school lunch safety USA Today
Advocate pushes free food for all as school lunch fix SC Sentinel
February 5
Nationally recognized author will speak to the need to redesign school lunch SC Sentinel
Study finds wide achievement gap for top students Education Week
Study: Charter schools perpetuating racial segregation California Watch
Battle brewing between schools and state over federal funding EdBrief
Will education policy get an overhaul? UCLA IDEA
Making “No Child” better NY Times
Charter schools’ growth promoting segregation LA Times
Nutrition programs in President Obama’s 2011 proposed budget FRAC
February 4
How will you respond to the school budget crisis? KUSP/KALW (audio link)
Report: Rescind most mandated programs Educated Guess
AVID: Program boosts student grades Statesman Journal
PVUSD cuts $5.5 million SC Sentinel
Michelle Obama’s obesity campaign on Today Show Obama Foodorama
Teachers’ resistance could keep districts from cashing in on Race to Top San Bernardino Sun
February 3
Ending gym tests, other school requirements could save state $350 million California Watch
First lady leads fight against youth obesity SF Gate
A frank and civil dialogue on charters Educated Guess
How will you respond to the school budget crisis? KALW/KUSP
Michelle Obama escalates obesity drive Politico
February 2
President Obama seeks changes to NCLB Washington Post
Teacher pay can vary greatly by district Sacramento Bee
Berkeley schools look to shift funds to close achievement gap Contra Costa Times
Obama budget calls for major shifts on ESEA Education Week
Good report, for the moment, on district finances Educated Guess
Santa Clara County to take $70 million hit in property tax revenues SJ Mercury News
New state law aimed at helping failing schools Daily Bulletin
Obama budget doesn’t thrill school lunch advocates NY Times
AVID classes push students to reach full potential Star-Telegram
February 1
Cradle to career agenda goal of education budget CNN
Model by example: Close failing charter schools Educated Guess
Budget proposes $10 billion for Child Nutrition Whitehouse.gov
Administration proposals seek broad changes to No Child Left Behind NY Times
Michelle Obama to host childhood obesity summit Obamafoodorama
Farm to school allies plan healthy food campaign Oakland North
CA school nutrition still top priority KCBS
January 30
Pleading the case for improved school lunch The Packer
Fighting obesity at the school level Calorie Lab
Survey: School lunches, full of processed foods NY Daily News
Students rally to raise funds for AVID KDVR
January 29
Teachers pension fund is $43 billion short LA Times
Fresno’s charter plan sparks conflict of interest concerns California Watch
Education is where Obama can claim success Educated Guess
Charter summit in San Jose Educated Guess
January 28
Adult education could suffer in SCCS budget cuts SC Sentinel
Poll supports taxes to protect K-12 schools Educated Guess
Obama to seek $4 billion boost for education Education Week
Administration pushes for changes to NCLB law Washington Post
It may take a lawsuit to preserve schools SF Gate
$113 million, 2-year SF schools cut asked SF Gate
January 27
Arne Duncan vows tough love for schools Politico
School gardens across the nation Huffington Post
Obama to promote new education spending in State of the Union speech Washington Post
Primary grade classes of 20-1 on chopping block SJ Mercury News
FUSD plans nonprofit group for charter school Fresno Bee
Female teachers may pass on math anxiety to girls LA Times
State of the Union: School lunch Huffington Post
January 26
Education reform in Washington and Los Angeles KRCW
Congress should expand school lunch program SJ Mercury News
Play then eat: Shift may bring gains at school NY Times
January 25
Film critical of US education debuts at Sundance Participant Media
California schools angry over even more cuts SJ Mercury News
Parcel tax initiative needs signatures Educated Guess
America’s failed public education system Chicago Sun-Times
2010 letter from Bill Gates Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
January 24
Alan Pagano: The administrator, essential and unsung SC Sentinel
Making healthy lunches a cause NY Times
Fixing school food in America Post-Gazette
January 22
UCLA report details recession’s impact on schools SF Gate
O’Connell cites school gains, laments budget cuts Sacramento Bee
January 21
Duncan tells mayors to expect incentives in ESEA Education Week
Obama dangles more money in school reform contest California Watch
How foods that don’t occur in nature end up on your kid’s plate Washington Post
California Educational Opportunity Report IDEA
January 20
If state fails, districts can chase Race to Top Educated Guess
Schwarzenegger budget predicts less spending for class size reduction Oakland Tribune
Monterey schools would lose millions under Governor’s budget The Californian
Michelle Obama takes childhood obesity fight to mayors Chicago Tribune
January 19
The Governor’s school budget: The race to mediocrity California Progress
A wonderland formula funds California schools Sacramento Bee
Budget cuts could spawn dirty schools California Watch
Schools fear cuts to campus repairs Sacramento Bee
Education grant effort faces late opposition NY Times
Does federal ed spending work? Washington Post
School lunches: we can do better Huffington Post
Universal breakfast bill moving through Congress TrakGov
Houston expands Universal Breakfast program Houston Chronicle
January 18
Screen children early to avoid obesity American Chronicle
New school lunch legislation in the works Food Safety News
January 17
Teacher fed up with school lunch starts blog Food Safety News
Market fixes for California schools SF Gate
The four “Rs”, a charter school that works SF Gate
Time for parents to have power in the classroom SF Gate
Race to the Top – the view from Oakland SF Gate
January 15
Santa Cruz school boards gather to discuss budget cuts SC Sentinel
Now 46th in nation in per student spending Educated Guess
Best education blogs for 2010 Washington Post
Parents, teachers protest AVID cuts The Capitol
School cafeteria upgrade grants announced Food Safety News
Corn syrup removed from SFUSD chocolate milk SF Gate
January 14
Santa Cruz City Schools stand to lose $1.4 million SC Sentinel
Governor’s promise to “protect education” rings hollow Contra Costa Times
Educators respond to Governor California Progress
Learning from No Child Left Behind USA Today
Why your kid’s lunch sucks Salon
It’s time to take another look at school lunch Press Herald
Beverly Hills school board votes to keep non-residents out LA Times
“We’ve gotten a lot done” Michelle Obama Washington Post
January 13
What makes a great teacher? The Atlantic
State saves when districts ditch small class sizes Educated Guess
Budget woes prompt Cupertino school leaders to increase class size SJ Mercury
School furloughs threaten teacher development days SGV Tribune
Should parents dictate school reforms? National Journal
Beverly Hills to vote on rejecting outside pupils Houston Chronicle
State tries to attract science and math teachers Press-Enterprise
January 12
Cultivating failure The Atlantic
Failure to cultivate: A response Civil Eats
A serious proposal NY Times
Junk food fills children’s lunchboxes The Guardian
Less money for class size reduction California Watch
January 11,
California teachers union in rare legislative loss Sacramento Bee
State failing its minority students, jeopardizing federal funds California Watch
Governor seeks to ease rules on firing weak teachers LA Times
New rules on tap for charter schools LA Daily News
Gauging the gaps: a look at student achievement Education Trust (pdf)
LA charter schools flex their muscles LA Times
January 10
Alan Pagano: The role of the board of trustees SC Sentinel
Schwarzenegger’s education claims disputed Sacramento Bee
District offices will see budgets slashed Educated Guess
January 9
Educators await Obama’s mark on No Child Left Behind Washington Post
January 8
Schwarzenegger signs school legislation LA Times
Educators skeptical about pledge to protect school funding SC Sentinel
State education plan makes parents responsible SF Gate
Governor signs RTTT bills EDBrief
CTA advises local unions not to sign MOU Educated Guess
January 7
Governor pledges to spare education from cuts SF Gate
Open enrollment explained Educated Guess
California Race to Top bills give parents more say in schools Sacramento Bee
A free school breakfast, but kids aren’t biting New American Media
January 6
Assembly OKs bills to change California schools LA Times
Assembly OKs bills to get schools federal funds SF Gate
Assembly passes monumental reforms Educated Guess
$250 million initiative for science, math teachers planned Washington Post
Davis school district scrutinizes homework loads Sacramento Bee
January 5
California set to pass education overhaul plan SF Gate
Districts ready to race, but will they really sign? Educated Guess
January 4
Behind the scenes maneuvers on parent reform Educated Guess
Obama forcing state to track student progress California Watch
San Jose parents try to lure charter school to the East Side SJ Mercury News
January 3
10 trends the past decade brought to California schools SC Sentinel
Was tainted beef served in schools? California Watch
Preparing students for a brighter future Baltimore Sun
Cuts choking school libraries Modesto Bee
New legislation could bring healthier cafeterias Inland Bulletin
2009
December 28, 2009
Private schools could benefit from public school cuts SC Sentinel
December 22, 2009
Too early for educators to bank on new federal jobs legislation SC Sentinel
December 21, 2009
Mentoring program gives kids incentive to learn SF Gate
Flaws in system for evaluating, hiring teachers Educated Guess
Public schools flunking lunch Campaign for Better Nutrition
Reports show California schools skimping on breakfast Times Standard
December 18, 2009
California’s effort to secure Race to the Top funds on track SJ Mercury News
Race to Top compromise heads to Assembly Educated Guess
Senate passes hastily drafted RTTT legislation Ed Brief
Bill sets state’s plan for failing schools SF Gate
Santa Cruz teacher part of peace contingent to Gaza SC Sentinel
December 17, 2009
Kids to get salad bars at school if Farr bill passes SC Sentinel
Natomas teachers group agrees to shorten school year Sacramento Bee
December 16, 2009
Obama official: Innovation to drive ed agenda Educated Guess
Bass sells out school kids in favor of teachers unions SJ Mercury News
Sometimes a snack isn’t just a snack Washington Post
3 percent of the students, 100 percent of the controversy VC Star
26,500 school cafeterias lack inspections USA Today
December 15, 2009
California educators say Race to Top funds not worth effort SC Sentinel
Local school districts way of Race to the Top initiative San Bernardino Sun
Bill to return PE to schools will address obesity SJ Mercury News
Senator seeks strict testing for meat sent to schools USA Today
Congress OKs budget with increase for education Education Week
December 14, 2009
Governor’s ties to charter schools driving Race to Top? SJ Mercury
The fight is on for federal education money California Progress\\
Schools race to — where exactly? LA Times
California’s neediest high schools have least prepared teachers LA Times
No Child Left Behind law loses support US News & World Report
Debate continues on providing kids healthy meals Herald Sun
December 13, 2009
Alan Pagano: Less than the best decisions SC Sentinel
Santa Cruz school district looks to make budget cuts KSBW
Politics dominate California educate reform effort AP
For students — a right to be mean online? LA Times
December 12, 2009
California students under-utilize school breakfast program LA Times
December 11, 2009
Trustees vote to make some cuts now, later SC Sentinel
Board fails to pass PCS diversity proposal SC Sentinel
Salinas school salad bars a model for nation Californian
Spent hens on school lunch menus World Poultry
Will Obama’s school reform plan work? US News & World Report
New studies put school food front and center NSBA
December 10, 2009
Board debates framework for cuts SC Sentinel
Assembly considers education reforms SF Gate
Online charter school plan rejected throughout California Oakland Tribune
America’s best high schools US News & World Report
USDA to serve lawmakers lunch from the school cafeteria Washington Post
December 9, 2009
Fast food safer than school lunch CBS News
AVID help students to study, prepare for college Valencia County News
Fast food standards for meat top school lunches USA Today
December 8, 2009
Legislation would give parents new power to trigger change in schools LA Times
Time runs short to join Race to the Top Sacramento Bee
December 7, 2009
Students AVID about their futures State Journal
State board to consider regs for revoking charters Educated Guess
Different approaches considered among school officials unease Press Enterprise
December 6, 2009
The fixes “No Child” needs Baltimore Sun
December 5, 2009
Assembly RTTT hearing ends in massive bill EdBrief
2009 physical fitness results released EdBrief
December 4, 2009
Assembly to state: Keep hands of RTTT dollars Educated Guess
December 3, 2009
Santa Cruz City Schools teachers to be surveyed on cutting 5 days SC Sentinel
California’s trot to the top Educated Guess
Charter schools: Two studies, two conclusions Washington Post
That’s a tough order, Jamie Charleston Daily Mail
There’s no such thing as a chemical free lunch SF Gate
New USDA study to improve school nutrition USDA
Improvements in school nutrition Health News Digest
December 2, 2009
Bills would expand who could grant teaching credentials Educated Guess
Healthy organic and cheap school lunches? Order up USA Today
Are high school teachers’ priorities misplaced? OC Register
Why a recall of tainted beef didn’t include school lunches USA Today
Challenging AVID learners Daily Progress
Central Unified puts breakfast within reach Fresno Bee
December 1, 2009
County 5th graders less fit than state classmates SC Sentinel
California’s future demands bigger investment in schools SF Gate
November 30, 2009
Value added education in the race to the top SF Gate
A priority of Obama’s education plan, charter schools gain traction Sacramento Bee
Colorado schools face cartons of controversy over milk Denver Post
November 29, 2009
Trustees to get first look at possible cuts SC Sentinel
Alan Pagano: Results without No Child Left Behind SC Sentinel
November 27, 2009
Trustees of Soquel schools in for a fight over elementary proposal SC Sentinel
November 26, 2009
Race to the top in education Wall Street Journal
Districts abandoning class size reduction Education Guess
November 23, 2009
Big disparities in gifted schooling MSNBC
Let our children lead the way to a healthier future Huffington Post
November 22, 2009
Andy Shapiro: Community members contribute SC Sentinel
November 21, 2009
Back in the trenches: Gary Bloom Mid County Post
Feds could penalize budget cuts for education Educated Guess
November 20, 2009
County Board of Education will rule on charter proposal in January SC Sentinel
PVUSD considers early end to school year SC Sentinel
Fesler students AVID about education Santa Maria Times
Agriculture chief promises better school food alerts USA Today
November 19, 2009
State’s school funding process is failing LA Times
Assembly to reconvene early to debate school reform SJ Mercury News
Despite states subsidies, class sizes inching up in California Center for Investigative Reporting
County ed trustees to hear Watsonville charter proposal SC Sentinel
Uphill battle to reform public school food Empire Report
Wellness Committee brings back school lunch, made from scratch Telluride Watch
November 18, 2009
Gillibrand proposals eye school lunches Newsday
Obama and Duncan are wrong about charters Education Week
School lunches: the chocolate milk debate SF Gate
A lunch program Revolution Examiner
November 17, 2009
USDA backs rewarding schools for healthy meals Reuters
California’s leisurely pace may cost it federal school funds SJ Mercury News
Ag Secretary testifies during Child Nutrition Act hearings USDA
Senate bill would expand direct certification of students into meals programs GovTrack
77% of CA students qualify for free & reduced meals USA Today
Chocolate milk in school? A necessary evil? LA Times
Schools in the dark about tainted lunches USA Today
November 16, 2009
Should A-G be the default curriculum? Educated Guess
November 15, 2009
Santa Cruz Education Foundation awarded $30,000 grant SC Sentinel
Assembly speeds up work on Race to Top reforms Capitol Alert
DC schools offer breakfast in the classroom Washington Post
Alan Pagano: Arne Duncan and No Child Left Behind SC Sentinel
November 14, 2009
After criticism, administration is praised for final rules on education grants NY Times
US devises scoring system for school aid Washington Post
November 13, 2009
Suspended Harbor High coach tells his side of the story SC Sentinel
Wife of embattled coach tells of toll on her family SC Sentinel
Ending of a travesty for Rebbert at Harbor SC Sentinel
AVID teacher in Lynwood wins national award Los Angeles Wave
AVID-ly learning Mt Vernon Gazette
Jamie Oliver stirs up change in Huntington kitchen WV Gazette
November 12, 2009
PCS hires new principal SC Sentinel
California could get up $700 million in US education funds LA Times
A Calculus class so crazy it just might work Voice of San Diego
Do better school lunches help kids learn? Washington Post
Despite healthier meals, Boulder school lunch revenue down Daily Camera
November 11, 2009
Funding suits goal: return to local control Educated Guess
School lunch food poisoning risk assessment requested
November 10, 2009
GAO asked to probe school e coli risk Food Safety News
High achieving charter awarded prize for efficiency Educated Guess
Raise your hand for chocolate milk Food Politics
Teenagers like to grow and eat healthy food Civil Eats
Which states are innovative in education? CS Monitor
November 9, 2009
Tempest over a teacup’s worth of federal funding for schools SJ Mercury News
Putting the WOW in school lunches California Country News
Blaming state is losing parcel tax strategy Educated Guess
Physical eduction key to improving health in low-income adolescents Science Daily
Andy Shapiro: Time to reform archaic school funding rules SC Sentinel
November 6, 2009
Why Duncan’s Race to the Top will Fail Washington Post
November 5, 2009
School districts likely to face ax as state deficit grows SC Sentinel
California Senate OKs school changes to seek federal funds Sacramento Bee
Michelle Obama gives Harmony Project a round of applause LA Times
California names Teachers of the Year CDE
November 4, 2009
Health foundations join forces to improve California schools LA Times
A White House chef who wears two hats NY Times
College prep program moving to middle schools Catalyst
School lunches: where does the food come from? SF Gate
High school students cook up change Chicago Tribune
November 3, 2009
Pacific Collegiate to weigh new diversity policy SC Sentinel
District seeks alternative funding though advertising Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
SF school lunch for $0.70. Can it be done? SF Gate
Fremont charter hopes to start nation’s first Arabic immersion program SJ Mercury
November 2, 2009
A remarkable turnaround at Pasadena’s John Muir High School LA Times
Hearing today on important data bill Educated Guess
Cash for college San Luis Obispo Tribune
October 30, 2009
School reform duel shifts to surrogates Sacramento Bee
California sets among highest standards for reading, math OC Register
State of education: Poor The Daily Journal
With tight budgets, school outings get downgraded Wall Street Journal
School lunches limited by high costs Point Reyes Light
Community schools pushed by Dems, Brits Youth Today
October 29, 2009
Santa Cruz City Schools trustees OK scratch cooking in middle schools SC Sentinel
Reviewing school lunches in San Francisco SF Gate
October 28, 2009
Santa Cruz trustees to vote on food service, bus yard plans SC Sentinel
October 27, 2009
Why we’re failing math and science Wall Street Journal
New recommended nutrition guidelines comparison Institute of Medicine
October 26, 2009
Farr bill aims to get students to eat their veggies SC Sentinel
Updating National School Lunch guidelines 7th Space
Learning more than English: Adult School SC Sentinel
October 25, 2009
Making school fun can be seriously rewarding SC Sentinel
October 23, 2009
The new untouchables NY Times
USDA debuts priorities for Child Nutrition Act USDA
School meals: Building blocks for healthy children Institute of Medicine
Michelle Obama hosts healthy kids fair WHO Farm
Governor signs legislation allowing charter schools to hold title Ed Brief
October 22, 2009
California teacher’s program helps students prepare for college Voice of America
Santa Cruz Schools seek savings in food, special education programs SC Sentinel
Hundreds attend Santa Cruz community meeting about gang violence SC Sentinel
October 21, 2009
SF schools’ lunch money cut off; rules broken SF Gate
PCS athletic director quits SC Sentinel
New school lunch nutrition guidelines ABC News
Recommendation for new school nutrition standards LA Times
Institute of Medicine recommends new school food guidelines Reuters
October 20, 2009
It’s cool to eat at school Civil Eats
Study finds growing work for school counselors NY Times
Report: Schools should adopt healthier meals despite costs USA Today
October 19, 2009
Community meeting on gang violence scheduled SC Sentinel
Parents of Tyler Tenorio grieve SC Sentinel
Sen Gillibrand calls for food safety in schools Epoch Times
More schools experimenting with digital textbooks Washington Post
October 18, 2009
Santa Cruz High student stabbed, killed downtown SC Sentinel
Alan Pagano: Too much fun can be serious SC Sentinel
October 16, 2009
Michelle Obama: Teachers are key to a successful economy US News & World Report
How to improve Math scores New York Times
October 15, 2009
California math scores among the lowest SF Gate
Best antidote to poverty? Good teachers New York Times
Lunch money Slow Food USA
California’s data tracking system on students misfires Sacramento Bee
October 14, 2009
California joins race for school stimulus funds Sacramento Bee
Schools across the country kick off National School Lunch Week Utah 13
Overeating on pocket change New York Times
October 13, 2009
Governor signs Simitian’s education data bill California Chronicle
Desegregation is key for school district Daily Californian
Dallas schools finding healthy food a success Dallas Morning News
Why school food is such a hot topic Food Politics
October 12, 2009
Schwarzenegger OKs school bill to enter Race to the Top AP
October 9, 2009
The uneducated American New York Times
Duncan announces $650 million “Investing in Innovation” fund EdBrief
Kitchen cabinet sits down for lunch Washington Post
School chef pushes fresh food SF Gate
School lunch funds get a boost Washington Post
Senate approves 8% boost in nutrition funds US Daily
Team “Good Lunch” makes policy for school lunches Obamafoodorama
October 8, 2009
Suit looming against California over school funding SJ Mercury
Pitting safe food against healthy food Healthy Schools
School lunches Time Magazine
October 6, 2009
23 employees at County Office earn $100K plus SC Sentinel
Santa Cruz County Office of Education salary database SC Sentinel
October 5, 2009
Suit looming against California over school funding SJ Mercury News
Race to Top said to lack key science Education Week
Watsonville prep school’s push to raise achievement shows promise SC Sentinel
October 4, 2009
Achievement gap will close with equity and access SC Sentinel
October 3, 2009
Achievement gaps narrowing since No Child Left Behind CS Monitor
October 2, 2009
How teachers unions lost the media Wall Street Journal
Will Governor veto SB 19? EdBrief
Is privatization the answer to school lunches Grist
After lunch follow-up Spot US
October 1, 2009
Budget woes, school reform collide Sacramento Bee
Democrats balk at some federal stimulus dollars Capitol Weekly
We shouldn’t have to choose between health and education Healthy Schools Campaign
September 30, 2009
Joe Simitian goes to Washington to lobby for schools SC Sentinel
At some schools, tastier trays come at a price Washington Post
Schools toughest test: Cooking New York Times
Dear Arnold: Sign onto education funding fairness New American Media
September 29, 2009
Amid lagging scores, San Jose High Academy models success SJ Mercury News
Marin foundation giving $35 million to public schools SF Gate
September 28, 2009
SF students seek better school food (video) Youtube
September 27, 2009
School boards association an advocate for education SC Sentinel
September 26, 2009
The fiscal outlook for education: The challenges of the next two years EdBrief
SF public school kids want better food SF Gate
Arne Duncan interview: Best education ideas aren’t in Washington CS Monitor
September 25, 2009
SC school trustees set $3.4 million target SC Sentinel
September 24, 2009
Dining on dimes is easy at school’s farmers market SC Sentinel
Vilsack connects healthy eating to reduced health care costs Healthy Schools Campaign
White House looks to improve No Child Left Behind SF Gate
California chef takes school lunch campaign to DC SJ Mercury News
September 23, 2009
Duncan’s speech on No Child Left Behind Washington Post
National academic standards: the first test New York Times
Richard Dreyfuss fights for civics in American education KPBS
September 22, 2009
Yoga the new craze at Santa Cruz High SC Sentinel
Initiative focuses on early learning programs New York Times
Bringing teaching for the gifted to all kids Voice of San Diego
Washington schools hope to serve better lunch The Herald
September 21, 2009
School lunch punch Washington Post
Website helps students choose college SF Gate
September 20, 2009
What’s for lunch? Good Times
Genuine reform is possible now – Alan Pagano SC Sentinel
Politics at play in county schools association formation SC Sentinel
September 18, 2009
AVID about future study Red Bluff Daily News
September 17, 2009
Fruit stands coming to campus SC Sentinel
September 16, 2009
Accountability progress reports released California Department of Education
SLV district only one where all schools improved SC Sentinel
The power of eating together Slow Food USA
Big plans for small farmers NY Times
Chef takes lunch crusade national Chicago Trubune
Lawmakers push for school choice Whittier Daily News
September 15, 2009
Race to the Top: Editorial Perspectives LA Times LA Times SF Chronicle
Obscure data base is key to educational funds in California LA Times
California education funding among lowest in nation KPBS (audio)
Know your Farmer, Know your Food USDA
USDA announces funding, tactical teams Obamafoodorama
September 14, 2009
AVID is a path to career success Yuma Sun
Schools brace for No Child scores SF Examiner
Free meals for all at 18 Santa Ana schools OC Register
September 11, 2009
Santa Rosa approves advertising in schools Press Democrat
The future of school lunch programs News Channel 8
September 10, 2009
School reform: the Arne and Arnold agenda California Progress Report
Can Arne Duncan (and $5 billion) fix America’s schools? Time
Big Food vs. Big Insurance NY Times
Organic food for thought Newsweek
Minestrone and three other things that will save school lunch Huffington Post
September 9, 2009
Equal funding for California’s schools LA Times
Cash-strapped schools seek commercial sponsors LA Times
What’s for school lunch – photos
Santa Cruz students demonstrate for better food Santa Cruz.com
September 8, 2009
President Obama’s Back to School address Whitehouse.gov
Picnic promotes healthy lunches for school kids SC Sentinel
Lawmakers discuss healthy school food over lunch KSBW (video)
The new food fighters Great Schools
Heat is on to improve school nutrition Post-Gazette
Bringing healthy school lunch to the table Civil Eats
September 4, 2009
Salad bars in the nation’s salad bowl LA Times
A national movement is pushing for better school food SJ Mercury
The Nation: Slow death from fast food NPR
Con-Agra seeks edge with pizza quesadilla Omaha World Herald
State urged to revamp evaluations Sacramento Bee
Ellison introduces school nutrition legislation New Liberian
“I think I’ll eat school lunch more now” Voice of San Diego
Obama to address nation’s students on Tuesday EdBrief
Budget cuts mean school fundraisers on the rise Wall Street Journal
State class sizes grow as budget cuts take hold Capitol Weekly
September 3, 2009
Labor Day potlucks – with a purpose The Atlantic
9 of 10 students pass exit exam SJ Mercury
Report details success of school district’s desegregation program Daily Californian
Stanford poll: Obama sways public on controversial education issues SJ Mercury
September 2, 2009
Making healthful eating fun for kids LA Times
Report of fiscal misspending by San Jose charter schools SJ Mercury
September 1, 2009
Senator Huff heads legislation to reform California Education California Chronicle
Accountability in public schools NY Times
Grade for charter schools? ‘Needs Improvement’ CS Monitor
Choice abounds in healthier school lunches SLC Tribune
August 31, 2009
Little red schoolhouse gone, but unforgettable SF Gate
Legislators eye grants for schools The Sun
Nutrition act offers weighty opportunity to improve school lunches Sun Sentinel
August 30, 2009
Schools must lead healthy food efforts SF Gate
Back to school reading NY Times
School districts allowed to delay updating books Sacramento Bee
For schools, use of stimulus money falls short of hopes CS Monitor
August 28, 2009
Legislature discusses removing firewall between student data and teachers SJ Mercury
Smart child left behind NY Times
August 27, 2009
Bye bye summer: The school bell rings again for Santa Cruz County SC Sentinel
Harbor High football takes $25,000 hit SC Sentinel
Schwarzenegger’s big plans for California schools US News & World Report
Farr visits Salinas classroom to highlight fruit & veggie program Monterey County Weekly
August 26, 2009
Congress may bolster school lunch nutrition LA Times
Using student test scores to grade California teachers has pitfalls Sacramento Bee
Fit kids scoring on academics Healthy Schools
August 25, 2009
New study details state’s education woes Sacbee.com
Reform just a try for cash Ventura Star
It’s time for lunch, school lunch that is LA Times
August 24, 2009
Obama speaks up for healthy school food Healthy Schools Campaign
With child obesity on the rise, school lunches need a facelift
August 22, 2009
Schwarzenegger’s plan would reshape Education in California LA Times
California should strive to meet Obama’s goals SJ Mercury
Track record seen as key to winning innovation grants Ed Week
August 21, 2009
Education Task Force to study local efficiencies SC Sentinel
Former Santa Cruz Superintendent leads call for school district unification Mid-County Post
Public/Private partnerships to bring fresh food to school lunches Obamafoodarama
School lunches go vegetarian US News & World Report
Chicago schools are sweet on dessert Chicago Tribune
August 20, 2009
Study weighs NCLB’s broad impact Education Week
More California students taking and doing well on ACT LA Times
August 19, 2009
STAR results show county still lagging behind state SC Sentinel
August 18, 2009
School districts allowed to delay updating books Sacramento Bee
Dan Walters: Voc ed bill on right track Sacramento Bee
Stars are aligning over school lunch programs NY Times
August 17, 209
In fighting obesity, is exercise really the answer? Healthy Schools
Let’s (re) do school lunch Grist
August 15, 2009
Let the school meals revolution begin SF Chronicle
August 13, 2009
Santa Cruz schools face $6 million in cuts for next two years SC Sentinel
August 12, 2009
Boulder Valley to pay for food program Daily Camera
August 11, 2009
Whole Foods, Chef Ann Cooper partner on school lunch website SC Sentinel
Cash crunch leads to crowded classrooms SC Sentinel
State of school nutrition 2009 School Nutrition Association
August 10, 2009
Budget cuts put new textbooks on hold LA Times
California could be disqualified from stimulus funds competition SJ Mercury News
School trustees plan 7-day fast to protest cuts Ventura County Star
Eat Ins for nutritious school lunches Triple Pundit
August 9, 2009
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, educational kingmaker Politico
August 8, 2009
Walters: 2006 Education bill bedevils Schwarzenegger SJ Mercury
UK Schools to Twitter lunch menus Brand Republic
Romero announces hearing on California’s “Race to the Top” California Chronicle
Agusut 6, 2009
Hundreds gather in San Jose to protest school cuts SJ Mercury
August 5, 2009
Miami girl challenges Obama girls over school lunches NBC San Diego
August 4, 2009
Education Leaders weigh in on Race to Top requirements National Journal Online
State senators to consider changing law on student scores, teacher evaluations LA Times
Sesame Street and USDA team up to promote healthy eating habits USDA
August 3, 2009
City Schools embarks on ambitious – and risky – plan to improve meals SC Sentinel
August 2, 2009
Local food for local schools Baltimore Sun
Uncle Sam must stop subsidizing obesity SF Chronicle
July 31, 2009
Michelle Obama cultivating food policy Philadelphia Inquirer
LAUSD mounts its own campaign for federal grants LA Daily News
July 30, 2009
Santa Cruz district hires new food director, vendor SC Sentinel
How the USDA helped bring processed food to school lunch School Lunch Talk
Feeding our kids better school lunch Civil Eats
Tobey Maguire and the Child Nutrition Act People
Spiderman lobbies for healthy school meals The Hill
July 29, 2009
Santa Cruz City Schools District expected to hire new food service director, vendor SC Sentinel
Americans have tools to reverse obesity trends Chicago Tribune
A new crop of school gardens LA Times
Lunch ladies lobby for better school food Southtown Star
California schools chief reacts to criticism LA Times
July 28, 2009
Child Nutrition committee work to begin this Fall Healthy Schools
Editorial: Bad law keeps California out of running SJ Mercury News
Schools: Not just about the money Sacramento Bee
July 27, 2009
County’s schools stand to lose $40 million SC Sentinel
Education News Roundup UCLA IDEA
The case for school breakfast The Atlantic
Corn Refiners: Keep HFCS in Lunch School Lunch Talk
July 26, 2009
Education Matters – Consolidate the districts Now! SC Sentinel
Fast Food in Schools School Lunch Talk
Pacific seeks AVID learners Recordnet.com
July 25, 2009
California schools may miss out on federal funds Sacramento Bee
Obama chides California for not using test scores to evaluate teachers LA Times
It’s Time for Lunch Slow Food International
July 24, 2009
Educators Offer Mixed Response to Budget Deal Ed Brief
Obama offers ‘Race to the Top’ contest for schools SF Chronicle
School meal programs for children needed to improve education in America’s poorest cities Rep. Gwen Moore, The Hill
At-risk students may get extra help (AVID) Abilene Reporter-News
July 23, 2009
Good nutrition can boost school performance The Patriot News
California high school exit exam will remain a state requirement SJ Mercury News
New USDA reports: School meals: it’s good to feed kids Food Politics
Report Gives U.S. Low Marks for High Obesity Rates Healthy Schools Campaign
Gillibrand Announces Plan to Ban Trans-Fats In Schools, Combat Childhood Obesity
July 22, 2009
Wisconsin Congresswoman sponsors bill for Universal Breakfast with funding for fresh, local ingredients. HR 3277
July 21, 2009
A mixture of worry and measured relief for state school districts LA Times
Supt. of public instruction says budget is ‘precarious’ and ‘house of cards’ LA Times
Devastating Cuts for Education, the Poor, Health Care, and Local Governments California Progress Report
California’s education system takes another hit Contra Costa Times
July 19, 2009
County school boards association hopes to form by October Santa Cruz Sentinel
AVID Expansion OA Online
Older News
Ed Foundation awarded $10K grant
Santa Cruz Sentinel
January 20, 2008
The Santa Cruz Education Foundation announced Tuesday it received a $10,000 grant for the second year in a row from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation Youth Fund for its “Successful Academic Mentoring Program,” which targets at-risk middle school students at Branciforte and Mission Hill middle schools.
Bill Maxfield, education foundation president, said the program has led to higher grades and test scores.
The program mentor works closely with counselors, administrators and teachers to monitor individual student success through detailed metrics that track grades and homework assignments, attendance and individual progress. The mentor assists students in weekly meetings, encouraging dialog about specific struggles they are experiencing, and then creates solutions tailored to that student’s issues.
“Without the support and motivation provided through mentoring, these students likely would fall through the cracks,” Maxfield said.
Nine-week course helps parents navigate college readiness process
Santa Cruz Sentinel
December 8, 2007
J.M. Brown Sentinel Staff Writer
SANTA CRUZ — Mexico-born handyman Hugo Palafox knew the best way to prepare his teenage children for college was to go back to school himself.
“I wanted to give them something better that I never had,” said the father of four, who was among 29 others to graduate Thursday night from Harbor High School’s first-ever class designed to help multicultural parents navigate the transition to college.
The nine-week Parent Institute for Quality Education, or PIQE, which Harbor High officials launched primarily to reach out to Latino families, taught parents how to prepare their students for college-placement exams and weave through the complicated college financial aid and admissions processes.
Parents who graduate from the course guarantee admission for their student into the California State University system if they meet the entrance requirements, Michel said. The guarantee is helpful when students apply at CSU campuses made competitive by popularity.
“The main thing is to get kids in schools,” said Palafox, who works as a maintenance man at an apartment complex.
Assistant Principal Henry Michel implemented the PIQE program — taught in English and Spanish — as a way to make parents whose primary language is not English “feel more welcome to the school and just being more involved in the education process.” The class also taught parents and some of the students who attended how to resolve conflicts at high school and excel at reading.
The tab for the class was $15,000, which Michel said the school paid through a mix of corporate donations and state funds. There were several Caucasian parents, and one Vietnamese parent who also participated.
Even though she didn’t speak Spanish, parent Huong Bui said she felt like she fit right in.
“Many students in this class are so nice and friendly,” she excitedly told fellow graduates. “I will never forget this class.”
To appeal to a wide variety of parents, Marisa Escalera, an instructor with the San Diego-based PIQE program, said the company can teach classes in 10 languages. “We give them the confidence they need because of the language barrier,” she said.
Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Alan Pagano told the parent graduates that they had made an important commitment toward helping their children succeed. In Spanish, he exclaimed, “Tonight, you are the stars.”
Santa Cruz Middle School Mentor Project Pays Off
Santa Cruz Sentinel
April 16, 2007
By Matt King Sentinel staff writer
Mission Hill Middle School student Niamh McGrory used to get F’s on her report card. Then the most amazing thing happened. She began doing her homework and the F’s became B’s. “I didn’t want to go to summer school,” she explained when asked what motivated her to start doing the work.
Sometimes what seems like intractable problems with underachieving students are solved that easily, but with 100 students and an endless array of state and federal rules and reporting requirements to juggle, teachers say they can’t always get to that student who just needs one more push to get headed in the right direction.
Enter Jennifer Curci, a tutor who’s spent the past two years in Santa Cruz’s two middle schools working one-on-one with capable but unmotivated students trying to turn troubles into success stories.
“I’ve got 87 students and if they don’t come of their own desire I can’t chase them all down after school every day,” said Erin Brandon, who teaches social studies and language arts at Mission Hill. “She’s the person who can find them and center in on what they need”.
Sponsored by the Santa Cruz Education Foundation, Curci’s early efforts have shown promising results. The 40 students she’s worked with at Mission Hill and Branciforte middle schools over the past two years have, on average, doubled their grade point averages and turned failing grades into C’s and B’s.
“A lot of times the problem with the kids is they don’t want to do homework,” Curci said. “It’s a drag. They’re in trouble at home for their grades being low and they figure, ‘Whatever.’ It starts being easy to avoid work.”
So Curci preaches the power of small steps. When kids do a little extra and get rewarded, they’re willing to rethink their approach to school. “I say, ‘Let’s start small. Let’s see if we can turn your F into a D by doing a little bit of homework,’” she said.
“Once they have that moment of success they start feeling a little more inspired to go up from there”.
The typical student Curci works with is someone who does well on tests and shows ability but doesn’t show much interest in school. Brandon said they also have another characteristic in common – they won’t ask for help.
“One thing I notice is that the students she is working with tend to be shy students and students who might have lower self-esteem,” she said. “They don’t want other kids to see they’re behind in their work. [With Curci] they are getting a little more self-motivated, which they were not at the beginning of the year.”
Curci spends about an hour a week with each of her students, going over school-work and getting to know about their lives out of school. “I try to figure out what’s keeping them from success,” she said. “If they have a serious problem I refer them to a real counselor. But I can find out if they’re having a conflict with a teacher, or struggling with a particular subject, or having a problem at home. I can get the answer and figure out where they should go next.”
Curci’s success has inspired the Education Foundation to bring it back for another year and to find more ways to turn F’s into B’s and then A’s, said Matt Farell, foundation president.
“We strongly support this program because it provides essential support for students at risk of falling through the cracks and aids the efforts of our classroom teachers,” Farrell said. “It’s our grassroots response to the need for strong counseling services at the middle school level.”
