Education Beat

EdSource
  • 4.7 (19)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast that gets to the heart of schools in California and beyond, bringing you the personal stories behind the headlines, from preschool to college. Join the team at EdSource each week to hear the voices that are too often drowned out in the broader conversation: parents, teachers, and the students themselves.

  1. 5D AGO

    College students repackage dining hall food waste to feed hungry peers

    Students at college campuses across California recover hundreds of pounds of unserved food from dining halls each week to serve to hungry classmates. The goal is twofold — reduce food waste on college campuses and food insecurity among college students. Guests: Casey Cabugao, president, UC Davis Food Recovery Network Natalia Mochernak, reporter, California Student Journalism Corps Read more from EdSource: Student organizations answer the call to combat food insecurity, food waste on California college campuses Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  2. APR 23

    Educators call for deeper reflection after Cesar Chavez allegations

    Last month Fresno State University held a celebration for César Chávez with baile folklórico dances, speeches and flowers placed on his statue in the campus peace garden. Just a few days later, a bombshell New York Times investigation was published, exposing evidence that Chávez sexually abused women and girls as young as 12. Within hours, Fresno State covered the statue of Chávez with black plastic and days later removed it entirely. Other colleges and schools in California made similar changes. As colleges and schools remove Chavez's name from buildings and holidays, some educators are raising deeper questions about how schools can confront underlying issues of power, sexism, sexual violence and historical legacy. Guests: Larissa Mercado-López, chair of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Fresno State University Betty Márquez Rosales, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Educators grapple with fallout after sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  3. APR 16

    John Fensterwald on what’s at stake for California schools in the 2026 election

    This is an interesting election season for California — and not just because of the competitive races for governor and superintendent of public instruction. The superintendent’s job description might dramatically change in the coming months before a new superintendent takes office. That's because Gov. Gavin Newsom — in one of his last bold acts in education — is planning to hand over management of the California Department of Education from the superintendent to the next governor. We check in with veteran education reporter John Fensterwald, who has been covering the upcoming primary race and Newsom's proposal to overhaul the California Department of Education. Guest: John Fensterwald, Editor-at-Large, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Here’s how Gov. Newsom proposes to revamp the state education department What does the state superintendent actually do and how might that drastically change? California’s next governor to face tough choices for education as state budget tightens Legislative Analyst sees merit in Gov. Newsom’s plan for realigning California’s school bureaucracy California school boards fault state government’s failure to narrow the achievement gap And more ongoing election coverage at EdSource Education Beat is a weekly podcast. This week’s episode was hosted by EdSource’s Emma Gallegos and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  4. APR 9

    A University of California in the heart of farm country aims to attract more students

    While other UC’s turn away tens of thousands of qualified students annually, UC Merced faces the opposite challenge. The campus struggles to find students willing to accept its location, surrounded by farmland and pastures where cows often graze. But some students are attracted to the small student population, the accessible rent prices and the research opportunities. Guests: Brian Arroyo, fourth-year mechanical engineering major, UC Merced Michael Burke, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: How UC Merced is trying to attract students after years of slow growth As enrollment flattens at most University of California campuses, it surges at Riverside Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  5. APR 2

    School screen time is rising. California parents are asking where to draw the line

    Julie Edwards' daughter brought home a Chromebook from school in second grade to do work in math and reading apps. But as soon as she cracked it open, she started watching Youtube videos and playing Minecraft. Soon, Julie realized she was spending a lot of time on screens in the classroom, too. Research shows that too much screen time can hurt children’s development and mental health. But since the pandemic, schools have used more and more technology, from learning apps for math and reading to Youtube videos for music and story time. As early as kindergarten, children receive tablets or laptops to take home from school. Parents in districts across the country, including in Los Angeles Unified School District, are organizing to limit screen time in school. Guests: Julie Edwards, parent, Schools Beyond Screens Mallika Seshadri, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Parents push for reduced screen time a year after Los Angeles Unified bans cellphones Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  6. MAR 26

    Fresno Unified and teachers union join forces to put a roof over families’ heads

    Fresno Unified School District and the local teachers union are paying for a program that has housed 20 families. The families are also offered classes and resources to help them get better jobs and more stability. The district says the program is boosting students' attendance, grades and overall wellbeing. Guests: Andrés Rodríguez, district liaison for students experiencing foster care and homelessness, Fresno Unified School District Lasherica Thornton, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Fresno school district, teachers union get families housed Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  7. MAR 19

    Student filmmakers chase career dreams at Hollywood High

    Students from all over Los Angeles flock to Hollywood High School’s New Media Academy to learn video production and animation. They produce their own films, from horror-comedy about ghost hunting to documentaries about historical figures. At the same time, they get the opportunity to build connections with entertainment industry professionals. The successful magnet arts program also boasts a 100% graduation rate. Guests: Mawuena Akorli, student, New Media Academy, Hollywood High Vani Sanganeria, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: Hollywood High helps student filmmakers break into film and TV Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

  8. MAR 12

    Los Angeles parents fight for and win intensive tutoring for kids hurt by Covid

    When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Judith Larson’s daughter was in sixth grade in Los Angeles Unified School District. The family waited months for a school computer and internet access, so that she could join classes online. As her daughter fell further and further behind, Judith decided to take action. She is one of the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit filed against LAUSD alleging that students were denied “basic educational equality" during the pandemic. A settlement was recently reached in the case, requiring the district to offer intensive "high-dose" tutoring to 100,000 students for three years. Guests: Judith Larson, mother, Los Angeles Unified School District Mallika Seshadri, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: LAUSD is now accountable for high-dosage tutoring as settlement is approved Parents, LAUSD settle suit; 100,000 students get 45 tutoring hours for three years Districts still have learning recovery money: Why not spend it on tutoring? Podcast: Why aren't more districts investing in tutoring? Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

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4.7
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A podcast that gets to the heart of schools in California and beyond, bringing you the personal stories behind the headlines, from preschool to college. Join the team at EdSource each week to hear the voices that are too often drowned out in the broader conversation: parents, teachers, and the students themselves.

Information

  • Creator
    EdSource
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @ 2025 EdSource
  • Show Website
    Education Beat

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