Brooks Allen

February 16, 2023

Newsom’s big bet on fixing California's poorest schools and narrowing achievement gaps

Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing the biggest changes in a decade to the state system of funding and governing schools.

John Fensterwald, Emma Gallegos, And Daniel J. Willis

January 24, 2023

Critics say Newsom's proposal for low-performing students fails most Black students

Black leaders are criticizing a compromise plan by Gov. Newsom as not doing enough to help close the achievement gap of Black students.

Emma Gallegos, John Fensterwald, And Daniel J. Willis

September 6, 2021

Changes for educating quarantined California students proposed by governor, Legislature 

State leaders recognize crisis some districts face but don't backtrack from applying independent study to students sidelined by delta variant.

John Fensterwald

July 13, 2021

Unprecedented California budget to usher in sweeping education changes

California will spend billions now and in coming years on young children, student mental health, community schools and the teacher shortage.

EdSource Staff

February 26, 2021

Gov. Newsom lays out priorities for vaccinating teachers; uncertainties on standardized tests

Gov. Newsom moves up some teachers for Covid shots; Alameda Supt. L.K. Monroe explains the policy. State Board ED Brooks Allen sums up the status of standardized tests.

EdSource staff

September 11, 2020

Gov. Newsom names attorney for dual role as adviser, state education board executive director

Allen has been a civil rights lawyer and deputy education policy director. He’ll juggle two jobs serving both Newsom and the state board.

John Fensterwald

August 28, 2014

Single word at heart of regulatory debate

The State Board of Education next week will consider and possibly settle a debate over one word in the proposed final regulations for the Local Control Funding Formula. The decision would end a year-long disagreement over spending flexibility.

John Fensterwald

July 6, 2014

Proposed changes to LCAP renew debate

The State Board of Education this week could revise the process that districts use to create their funding and accountability plans. At a hearing in Sacramento on Thursday, critics will argue that the proposed changes don’t go far enough.

John Fensterwald

January 14, 2014

State Board poised to elevate parents' role in setting district priorities

John Fensterwald

July 25, 2013

Advocates: Start spending new money now on high-needs students

John Fensterwald