Monterey instructor's resume sparks students' suspicions

Bill Hillar's students had doubts about his claims of dangerous exploits as a Special Forces colonel. Officials at the Monterey Institute of International Studies say the students' doubts have merit.

California universities' tuition hikes raise concern

Students may take more time out, switch to other schools or drop out altogether because of the repeated increases at UC and CSU, experts say. But research on the issue is lacking.

Spirituality finds a home at college

Students, searching for meaning in life, often enhance their inner lives, long-term study finds.

UC tuition to rise 8% for next year

Regents vote 15 to 5 for the increase, meaning undergrads will face $12,150 per year in tuition. The move meets little outcry. Financial aid also is expanded.

Award stuns third-grade teacher

Tamara Garfio of Maywood Elementary is one of 60 instructors nationwide to receive the Milken Educator Award. 'I'm passionate, I know that,' she says. 'You truly have to like what you do.'

13 people arrested in demonstration outside UC regents meeting in San Francisco

Officials were meeting Wednesday to discuss raising undergraduate fees. Most of those arrested were students. UC San Francisco Police Chief Pamela Roskowski said protesters had thrown barricades and other objects.

L.A. Unified suspends 4 key consultants on school construction program

They had left the district only to be rehired as a group in a newly formed company to oversee a $7-billion program for construction and other planning at 580 schools.

Illegal immigrants can qualify for in-state college tuition, court rules

Critics say the California law that state Supreme Court justices upheld conflicts with a federal ban on undocumented immigrants getting college benefits based on residency. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is expected.

UC campuses move to recruit more out-of-state students

The university's efforts to boost enrollment of non-Californians — who bring in $23,000 a year each — may prove controversial. But schools say they could help bolster besieged budgets.

For L.A., possible lessons in D.C.'s controversial teacher evaluation system

In school districts including Washington's, New York's and Houston's, officials are using a method called 'value-added' to bring a measure of objectivity to the process. But virtually no one endorses it as the sole gauge of an instructor.

Online college applications are becoming more efficient, but some educators are not cheering

The Common Application 'makes life a lot easier,' says a high school student. 'It creates confusion,' says a university administrator.

Deaf students tackle sports with gusto

Taft High in Woodlands Hills provides sign language interpreters for the youths, who participate fully in football, basketball, cross country, track. 'I love the physicality of it, the action,' says one teen about his gridiron experience. 'When I put on this helmet, I'm a different person. I'm a warrior.'

Cal State trustees approve 15% tuition increase

Funds from the two-step hike will be used to add enrollment and classes, officials say. But students say they will be forced to take out additional student loans or defer their educations.

Cal State to call student fees the T-word

Tuition is a more honest, accurate description of the fees charged for educational costs, officials say. But the move marks a philosophical shift from the state ideal of offering a tuition-free public college education.

UC board to weigh more fee increases

The 10-campus public university system may raise student fees 8% for next year. The move, expected to generate about $180 million a year, would be accompanied by expanded financial aid.

Influence of teachers unions in question

The groups have been slow to come to terms with the push for reform. Some see them as obstacles to change, and even union sympathizers agree that their voice in the education debate has been muted.

L.A. school district doesn't bite at 'Food Revolution' chef's offer

English chef Jamie Oliver is bringing his reality show to L.A. The district says it will keep working with its own nutrition experts and advocates to make school meals more healthful.