Editorials

The State Superintendent often shares his views with the news media through editorials. This agency also likes to let you know what writers say about education in the state.

If reporters would like more information about about these editorials, please use the Reporter Request Form to contact the Communications Division.
The Newsroom page provides a more detailed overview of services provided by the Communications Division.
The links and information below were developed for reporters and others involved in education.

2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2017 | 2018

Year 2018

This Is Why California Needs to Expand Bilingual Education [http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article216851715.html]
The Sacramento Bee — August 20, 2018

Teachers Need Gun Control, not Guns. And Kids Need to March for their Lives [http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article203844929.html#storylink=cpy]
The Sacramento Bee — March 8, 2018

Year 2017

New Funding System Making a Difference for California Schools [http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/sd-utbg-california-schools-funding-20171006-story.html]
San Diego Tribune — October 6, 2017

Tell Trump to Leave the Kids Alone [http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article166477092.html]
The Sacramento Bee — August 10, 2017

Year 2015

Inspiring and Developing Future Citizens and Leaders [http://www.powerofdemocracy.org/blog/blog/inspiring-and-developing-future-citizens-and-leaders/]
Power of Democracy — August 26, 2015

Grade 11 Tests Assess College Readiness, in Addition to Progress on Standards: Tom Torlakson [http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20150512/grade-11-tests-assess-college-readiness-in-addition-to-progress-on-standards-tom-torlakson]
Los Angeles Daily News — May 12, 2015

New Tests Focus on What our Students Really Need to Learn [http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article12911246.html]
The Sacramento Bee — March 9, 2015

Year 2014

Tom Torlakson: State Superintendent Finds Local Control Leads to New Optimism in Schools [http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/12/19/4293903/tom-torlakson-state-superintendent.html#storylink=cpy]
The Fresno Bee — December 19, 2014

Torlakson and Pletka: Technology in the Classroom Is the Pen and Paper of our Time [http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-632815--.html]
Orange County Register — August 26, 2014

In Defense of Common Core: What Matters Most Is Whether the New Curriculum Standards Are an Improvement. They Are. [http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/opinion/la-ed-common-core-one-20140313,0,1799302.story#ixzz2wKfTiWs2]
Los Angeles Times — March 13, 2014

Common Core Learning Curve: Schools Need the Time to Build Robust New Teaching Methods with All the Right Supports in Place. [http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-common-core-two-20140314,0,919887.story#ixzz2wKfxlYr0]
Los Angeles Times — March 14, 2014

Year 2013

Tom Torlakson: A 21st Century Education [http://www.ocregister.com/articles/technology-593369-globalization-changing.html]
Orange County Register — December 14, 2013

Test State's Students with Tools of Past or Future? [http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/Test-state-s-students-with-tools-of-past-or-4830968.php]
San Francisco Chronicle — September 20, 2013

Bill Would Prevent Double Testing and Double Frustration for Students, Teachers [http://www.edsource.org/today/2013/billl-would-prevent-double-testing-and-double-frustration-for-students-teachers/39345]
Ed Source — September 23, 2013

Viewpoints: We Need More Civic Learning to Keep our Republic
The Sacramento Bee — September 19, 2013

Mercury News Editorial: Forgoing Standardized Tests for One Year a Reasonable Tradeoff to Ensure Better Common Core Implementation [http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_24089810/mercury-news-editorial-forgoing-standardized-tests-one-year?source=rss]
San Jose Mercury News — September 13, 2013

California Is Right; Duncan Is Wrong [http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/john_wilson_unleashed/2013/09/california_is_right_duncan_is_wrong.html]
Education Week — September 16, 2013

New Common Core Standards are Right for California [http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/article/New-Common-Core-standards-are-right-for-California-4739733.php]
San Francisco Chronicle — August 18, 2013

Shifting Gears: Educators Moving to the Common Core [http://napavalleyregister.com/news/opinion/mailbag/shifting-gears-educators-moving-to-the-common-core/article_0868d0f2-e2a0-11e2-aa19-0019bb2963f4.html]
Napa Valley Register — July 1, 2013

Contra Costa Times Editorial: Myths Fueling Opposition to Common Core [http://www.contracostatimes.com/editorial/ci_23513768/contra-costa-times-editorial-myths-fueling-opposition-common]
Contra Costa Times — June 21, 2013

Resist Urge to Delay Common Core Testing [
The Sacramento Bee — May 5, 2013