UC freshman applicants for 2013 a record high

University of California receives more than 174,700 applications for next fall, up 10.7%. For the first time, Latinos account for the biggest proportion, at 32%.

Jan Perry hopes her plain talk will resonate with voters

The councilwoman, ousted from her coveted downtown district because of a political feud, acknowledges that her frankness carries risks.

In L.A. mayor's race, Greuel finds herself a leading target

A powerful union's support of the former DreamWorks executive comes with a risk: continually being on the defensive about whether she'll buckle to its demands.

Green Dot charter group to reorganize Locke High

Green Dot hopes the changes will counter the slumping academic performance of incoming ninth-grade students.

Help school districts by letting them raise their own tax revenue

To do so, the state Legislature would need to reduce the voter threshold needed for levying parcel taxes from two-thirds to 55%.

UC regents pledge to expand online education in next few years

The regents are under pressure from Gov. Jerry Brown to offer more online classes to provide wider access to college education and keep costs down.

Alliance of big city school districts aims for more healthful meals

L.A. Unified and five others are striving to make wholesome food a national standard. They're working on biodegradable trays and utensils as well. Each district has been assigned a specific project.

L.A. Unified to overhaul struggling Crenshaw High

Calling Crenshaw the worst in L.A. Unified, Supt. John Deasy gets the green light to turn the landmark campus into three magnet schools.

San Jose State program to offer entry-level subjects online

High-demand classes will be available online at low cost through a partnership with education group Udacity.

To lock classroom doors or not?

After the Newtown and Taft shootings, educators in L.A. debate whether teacher transparency or school security is paramount.

School shooting victim expected to recover

Officials try to determine a motive, with the Kern County sheriff saying the assailant believed that the two students he targeted had bullied him.

State schools chief urges cut in number of tests next year

Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson says second-graders would not be tested in math and English, and most high school tests would be dropped. L.A. Unified chief expresses reservations.

Second phase of L.A. arts fundraising plan begins

'Art Matters' campaign has brought in more than $750,000 in the last three months for arts in the public schools.

California schools flunk education group's ratings

State is among 11 to get a failing grade from a group run by Michelle Rhee, known for her work as chancellor of Washington, D.C., schools. No state earned an A.

Fraud allegations swirl around firm run by two L.A. candidates

Clients say firm run by James T. Law and Analilia Joya, both candidates for city office, broke agreement to get enough signatures to put the clients on school board ballot. Law denies the allegations.