Policy and Legislation

February 27, 2019

Renewed push underway to expand California's ban on some suspensions

A new bill proposed by state Sen. Nancy Skinner would ban out-of-school suspensions in all grades for student behavior deemed “defiant and disruptive” by school authorities. Advocates hopeful Gov. Newsom will be more receptive than Jerry Brown, who vetoed two previous bills.

David Washburn

January 29, 2019

After eight years, Democrats assume power over education policy in House of Representatives

Rep. Bobby Scott, the new chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, says he will seek bipartisan support for reauthorizing the Higher Education Act.

Louis Freedberg

October 5, 2018

With bill signings, Gov. Brown makes his final mark on California education

A rundown of the governor’s decisions on some of the most-watched education legislation that crossed his desk this year.

David Washburn And John Fensterwald

September 20, 2018

Rejecting one-size-fits-all approach, California governor vetoes later school start time bill

SB 328 would have mandated 8:30 a.m. or later start times for most middle and high schools in the state, based on teen sleep deprivation research.

Theresa Harrington

September 4, 2018

Expanded suspension ban gets approval from California Legislature

The bill passed Friday would expand the current ban, which covers grades K-3, to grades K-8. However, Gov. Jerry Brown, who several years ago vetoed a similar bill, has yet to signal support.

David Washburn

August 31, 2018

California lawmakers pass limits on restraint and seclusion in schools

The bill would also reinstate requirements for schools to collect and report data on student restraint, and ban certain restraint techniques.

Nico Savidge

August 30, 2018

California lawmakers send school safety bills to Gov. Brown's desk

The measures include mandates for classroom door locks, school safety plans and the addition of school personnel to the list of people who can file gun violence restraining orders.

David Washburn

August 14, 2018

Community colleges try new ‘pathway’ to student success

California colleges are pursuing a bold effort to improve graduation and transfer. Could its ambition be a stumbling block to success?

Karin Fischer

July 31, 2018

California's soda tax ban stalled a grassroots movement, but didn't kill it

Though still angry over the deal Sacramento lawmakers made with the sweetened beverage industry, children's health advocates are busy plotting a new course.

David Washburn

February 21, 2018

California research project timed to elevate education in fall elections, inform next governor

"Getting Down to Facts" studies will take stock of a decade of change and point to what other states are doing differently.

John Fensterwald

February 15, 2018

Countdown to expand ban on ‘willful defiance’ suspensions in California schools

With the current ban on such suspensions for grades K-3 set to expire in July, a bill that would expand the ban to include all schools is making its way through the state Legislature.