California's college system in decline, study finds

The state no longer is a leader in such areas as affordability, preparation of high school graduates and college-going rates, according to researchers at Cal State Sacramento.

Learning to defend against cyber warfare

At Cyber Challenge Camp in Pomona, computer whizzes are shown how to protect a weak system and how to break into one. They're also taught hackers' tricks and cyberspace ethics.

Los Angeles schools to revamp their ban on social promotion

One approach to ensuring that children are academically ready for promotion would be to provide extra help for students in key grades.

UC Berkeley asks incoming students to say more than 'hello'

5,800 Berkeley freshmen and transfer students are asked to record their voices and accents, which will be mapped and compared to other students' samples. The project is part linguistic experiment, part social science and part ice-breaker.

Regulations approved for schools' 'Parent Trigger' law

The state Board of Education sets rules to clarify the law that gives parents the right to petition for new staff, management and programs.

Regents approve UC tuition hike

The 9.6% hike comes on the heels of an 8% boost, both set to take effect this fall. Students decried the increase as too large and too late for this school year.

Students ask regents to reject proposed UC tuition hike

At the regents meeting in San Francisco, several students said families had not been given enough time to come up with the $1,068 increase planned for the fall.

L.A. Unified drops two charter schools

A principal implicated in a cheating scandal was hired by the organization brought in to manage the campuses. The district says that violated a specific directive against such a move.

Cal State trustees raise tuition 12%

Board votes 13 to 2 in favor of the fee hike, saying 'the overriding importance is to keep doors open.' Meanwhile, Gov. Jerry Brown criticizes board for approving San Diego State president's $400,000 salary.

Highly rated instructors go beyond teaching to the standardized test

Some Southern California teachers are finding ways to keep creativity in the lesson plan even as they prepare their students for standardized tests.

California teacher layoff law stirs confusion, criticism

The state measure bars layoffs for a year, but districts are uncertain whether it will require them to rehire teachers or restore programs cut earlier this year.

Salary plan for San Diego State president stirs furor

The compensation of $400,000 draws fire from critics, who cite deep cuts and rising tuition in the Cal State system. But a study found CSU campus presidents are underpaid compared to their peers.

Teachers from low-performing schools face stigma on job search

L.A. Unified staffers say they're often judged by their old school's failings.

Programs try to save students from 'summer slide' in academics

Children — particularly those from lower-income families — lose months of reading and math skills during vacation, studies show. Schools are offering summer camp-style programs to make learning fun.