College Confidential

There are proven ways to navigate the college admissions process without cheating the system

With tens of thousands of undergrads applying each year for limited spots, California’s college systems have approved admission criteria for assessing incoming freshmen. While the strength of a student’s academic record is one of its top considerations, the University of California system has established 14 factors — both academic and nonacademic — for undergraduate admissions.

Lobbying Blitz Stymies California’s Crackdown on For-Profit Schools

Just a few months ago, California’s Democratic-controlled legislature seemed poised to pass the nation’s toughest restrictions on for-profit colleges. School owners publicly fretted that they’d have to shut down.

Funding An Array Of College Possibilities

Sponsored by Patrick K. Willis Company, Inc. for Future Sacramento

For students without family precedent, individual guidance and financial means, college can seem unattainable. Complex college applications and financial assistance paperwork complicate things further. Future Foundation of Sacramento identifies students who, despite these obstacles, show motivation and the ability to excel, and provides an array of resources to overcome the challenges.

College ready, career prepared.

Sponsored by Pacific Coast Building Products for Cristo Rey High School

Cristo Rey High School Sacramento provides a quality Catholic college-preparatory education to students who have limited financial resources, and a unique work-study component enriches students’ lives beyond their academic accomplishments. Every student works five days per month, gaining valuable experience in jobs at medical facilities, construction companies, law firms, lobbying firms, marketing and public relations businesses, local government, and more.

Teaching the Teachers

With the teacher shortage at crisis levels, education leaders are trying something new — intensive coaching while training on the job

Statewide, the number of people getting into teaching via a county office of education or school district internship doubled in the last five years.

While Needy School Districts Get More Money, Poor Students in Affluent Districts Suffer

California's 5-year-old school finance overhaul is working for disadvantaged students, but a study still finds that poor students aren't being helped in better-off districts

The study’s findings come amid pressure from lawmakers and advocates who have been concerned that the new system isn’t effectively channeling the extra state money to students, and that more progress hasn’t been made on the achievement gap.

Pathway to the Future

Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Brian King on new opportunities — and new funding

Comstock’s recently spoke with King (who is also a member of our editorial advisory board) about challenges faced by community college students and how Los Rios can help train the workforce of the future.

Preschool Teachers Ask Why ‘Cashiers at McDonalds’ Get Better Pay

Gov. Gavin Newsom has ambitious plans to improve California’s early childhood education, but experts say he’s forgetting a key group: preschool teacher salaries.

Teacher Credentials Come in for Tough Grading as CA Rethinks Charter School Rules

Proponents of a loophole that lets charter schools skip routine credentialing of teachers required in public schools say it encourages enrichment. But lawmakers are scrutinizing it and the loophole could soon be closed.

Should College Athletes Profit From Their Prowess?

The NCAA says no, but California may say yes

Hayley Hodson’s volleyball career took off when she was still in high school, with an invitation to compete on the U.S. Women’s National Team. As she traveled the world winning medals, the Newport Beach student took care not to run afoul of NCAA eligibility rules barring prospective college athletes from accepting financial compensation, her sights still set on playing for a top school.