Rachel Livinal
Reporter / Central Valley Journalism CollaborativeRachel Livinal reports on higher education for KVPR through a partnership with the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Rachel grew up in Merced and attended Merced Community College and California State University of Long Beach where she earned her B.A. in journalism with a minor in sociology. She is excited to share the stories that are shaping the higher education landscape in the San Joaquin Valley.
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As some Valley universities offer specialized training for transitional kindergarten teachers, other institutions are struggling to get their credential programs approved. -
While health experts say transitional kindergarten is beneficial for students with a disability, some rural school districts say they have to stretch already existing resources to make ends meet. -
A KVPR data analysis found only one in 10 San Joaquin Valley school districts offer dual language immersion classes in transitional kindergarten, despite more than half of California children under five speaking a language other than English at home. -
As a new grade level for four-year-olds rolls out statewide, a data analysis shows less than half of them are enrolling in the program. Skeptical parents and changing information may be the culprit. -
Over a dozen farmworkers and UC Merced students protested the idea that machines could replace human workers. -
The board meeting marked the first time leaders from the district responded to an investigative series by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS. -
In an email to staff earlier this week, Merced College Dean John Albano responded to a reporting investigation that looked into how the college handled multiple complaints filed against him. -
How KVPR and The Merced FOCUS reported "Paper Trails and Transfers." -
In late 2024, at least 10 faculty members and employees submitted complaints alleging discrimination by a Merced College dean. Reporting by KVPR and The Merced FOCUS found all of the allegations were ultimately dismissed, but college officials still decided to move the dean to a different department – before he later stepped back into a faculty role. Some complainants say they’ve been the subject of retaliation.
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The college’s two ethnic studies professors resigned in late 2024. Though their reasons for leaving are not fully known, just a month before, they were among at least 10 employees who filed complaints against the dean, many of whom alleged workplace intimidation and discrimination.
