Michael Kirst | Tag Archive

July 12, 2018

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos signs off: California's plan finally satisfies federal law

Approval for the state’s plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act comes one day after State Board of Education makes final fixes.

May 9, 2018

State Board of Education President Mike Kirst announces he'll retire — and reflects on changes he has led

He acknowledges that he couldn’t duplicate the special relationship advising a governor for 44 years.

April 13, 2018

California's plan for Every Student Succeeds Act heads to Betsy DeVos for approval

The state board is satisfied with compromises but will seek one waiver involving English learners.

March 14, 2018

State Board postpones vote on revising California's education plan to meet federal requirements

Big question for board members: Would the deal undermine the state's strategy for reforms?

February 15, 2018

Michael Kirst weighs another 4 years on state education board after Gov. Brown departs

The governor also renominated Patricia Rucker and Ting Sun to the state board.

January 30, 2018

Federal, state visions for improving schools collide in California

The Every Student Succeeds Act is a battleground for the latest dispute between Sacramento and Washington.

January 9, 2018

Gov. Brown proposes ambitious education agenda in his final state budget

Infusion of revenue for K-12 should enable him to finish paying for Local Control Funding Formula ahead of schedule.

December 27, 2017

Federal government finds flaws in California’s plan to improve lowest-performing schools

Is state board exercising flexibility or violating the Every Student Succeeds Act?

December 6, 2017

California School Dashboard provides opportunity for schools 'to turn data into action'

The dashboard moves California one step closer to completing a sweeping overhaul of public education aimed at better preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Michael Kirst and Tom Torlakson

November 14, 2017

California at bottom in nationwide ranking of accountability systems; state board president disagrees

Fordham Institute gives high fives to what California dislikes: grading schools A to F with heavy weight for test scores.

October 11, 2017

Special education in "deep trouble" and still needs reform, says California ed board president

Michael Kirst says the special education system, rooted in concepts and laws that need updating, is battling to recruit and retain fully prepared teachers

Louis Freedberg and Theresa Harrington

September 20, 2017

Silicon Valley and its colleges, universities 'mismatched' and out of sync

In a new book, Michael Kirst urges creation of a regional entity to unify and coordinate efforts.

September 13, 2017

State adopts plan required by federal education law; here's what's in it

California officials insist Every Student Succeeds Act will not alter the direction of the state's ongoing reforms.

September 12, 2017

California plan puts state on the right track to achieve academic goals for its students

Plan ensures maximum flexibility for California to continue its ground-breaking educational reforms.

September 11, 2017

California's education plan affirms commitment to local control

California's ESSA plan meets the federal government’s requirements while affirming the state's commitment to local control that allows teachers, principals and superintendents to meet the needs of our diverse students.