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California public schools see sharp decline in enrollment
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JOCELYN GECKER, Associated Press
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1of3FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, kindergarten teacher Lilia Matos and her student Jesus Mendez stand outside their classroom on the first day of in-person learning at Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School in Maywood, Calif. California s public schools have seen a sharp decline in enrollment this year as the pandemic forced millions into online school and districts dawdled in bringing children back to the classroom. Data from the California Department of Education released Thursday, April 22, 2021, shows the number of students at K-12 schools dropped by more than 160,000 this academic year, most of them in K-6.Jae C. Hong/APShow MoreShow Less
The exodus was led by white students who account for just 22% of California’s public school population but represent about half of the departing students for the 2020-21 school year, which could increase disparities in California’s public education system.
California has the most students of all states in the U.S. and the overall student body has hovered at about 6.2 million in recent years. In previous years, the number of students fell by about 20,000 to 30,000 annually, led by declining birth rates, and that rate was expected to continue.
When the pandemic hit and Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered public schools to close in March 2020, no one expected the closures would last as long as they did.
California public schools see sharp decline in enrolment
by Jocelyn Gecker, The Associated Press
Posted Apr 22, 2021 3:19 pm EDT
Last Updated Apr 22, 2021 at 3:28 pm EDT
FILE - In this April 13, 2021, file photo, kindergarten teacher Lilia Matos and her student Jesus Mendez stand outside their classroom on the first day of in-person learning at Heliotrope Avenue Elementary School in Maywood, Calif. California s public schools have seen a sharp decline in enrollment this year as the pandemic forced millions into online school and districts dawdled in bringing children back to the classroom. Data from the California Department of Education released Thursday, April 22, 2021, shows the number of students at K-12 schools dropped by more than 160,000 this academic year, most of them in K-6. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
By Cameron Jenkins - 04/22/21 04:22 PM EDT
Public schools in California have seen a sharp decline in enrollment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which has moved many classes to virtual instruction.
Student enrollment in the state s K-12 schools fell by nearly 160,000 within the 2020-2021 school year. The largest drop was seen at schools serving students in kindergarten through 6th grade, according to The Associated Press.
“The annual snapshot of fall enrollment shows a sharp one-year decline as the state and nation grappled with a deadly pandemic that disrupted all aspects of public education,” the California Department of Education told the AP.