State test results show California students overall performed much worse in math and English language arts than pre-pandemic, but a persistent achievement gap didn't worsen, as initially feared. The results left education officials and experts neither surprised nor hopeless.

California’s education department updated its statewide data system in the spring but the rollout resulted in thousands of errors. Key information about special education students and other high-needs groups was missing or miscalculated.

Local jurisdictions are free to impose their own requirements, but all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be required by California to wear a mask indoors at schools and child care facilities starting March 12. 

A top state health official provided little new information on Monday about lifting mask mandates in schools, as public health experts say it might be time to take more steps towards normalcy in schools.