Joe Hong, CalMatters
Joe reports on the students, teachers and lawmakers who shape California's public schools. Before joining CalMatters in 2021, he was the education reporter at KPBS, the public radio station in San Diego. Previously, he reported on education in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun, a daily newspaper in Palm Springs. He's a proud graduate of California's public schools.
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A new law will encourage California school districts to work with local Native American tribes to develop history lessons for students. Students and tribal leaders say for too long, schools have lacked an in-depth and accurate history curriculum that addresses their culture.
Some parents who have been outspoken in their criticism of local school districts are finding allies in community members opposed to COVID safety protocols and other education policies. Buoyed by that support, they are now running to become school board members.
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Parents, educators and now students are caught in the polarized debate over mask and vaccine mandates. Officials are worried communities might not recover.
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