Voices that drove education debate: EdSource’s most read opinions of 2025

California schools have some of the highest student-to-teacher ratios in the country.

Credit: Alison Yin / EdSource

In 2025, EdSource commentaries addressed the most debated issues in California education, from artificial intelligence in classrooms to antisemitism and free speech, early childhood pay, reading screening assessments for the early grades, and college pathways.

Here are the opinion pieces readers engaged with the most, featuring voices from high school and college students, educators, school district leaders, school board members, and college professors — offering firsthand perspectives on realities across the state.

Happy reading — and thanks for being a part of the conversation.

EdSource welcomes diverse perspectives on issues affecting California education. Learn more about how to submit a commentary.