Public Advocates

June 18, 2021

State orders stricter county oversight of districts' spending for low-income kids, English learners

California Department of Education sides with faith-based organizations that challenged how the San Bernardino county office approved LCAPs.

John Fensterwald

May 19, 2021

Analysis faults districts on lack of spending accountability for Covid funding

With unprecedented billions of dollars, advocacy groups want details on how funding will help students targeted for extra assistance.

John Fensterwald

April 30, 2021

Pandemic puts school accountability in limbo

This week: School districts are getting billions in federal and state Covid aid. How will the public know if it will be spent effectively?

EdSource staff

December 8, 2020

More California community college students are taking transfer-level courses, but critics say colleges must do more

After taking full effect last fall, AB 705 has transformed remedial education at California’s community colleges.

Michael Burke

April 24, 2020

California school districts get extra 5 months to pass local accountability plans

While pushing back the LCAP deadline, Newsom orders districts to report on distance learning and school closure expenses by July 1.

John Fensterwald

January 8, 2020

California’s effort to turn school staff into teachers starts to pay off

More than 2,000 bus drivers, clerks, custodians and teacher aides are earning bachelor’s degrees and teaching credentials. 

Diana Lambert

November 6, 2019

State audit finds education money not serving high-needs students, calls for changes in funding law

After examining three districts' spending, State Auditor Elaine Howle calls for tighter controls over Local Control Funding Formula.

John Fensterwald

September 20, 2019

Counselors or cops in Pomona Unified; full-day kindergarten in every school

This week: We interview Jesus Sanchez, a community organizer and founder of Gente Organizada, and Iris Villalpando, a student leader, about why they fought so hard to change spending priorities in Pomona Unified School District; and we speak with reporter Zaidee Stavely about a bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk that would require every school to offer at least one full-day kindergarten class.

EdSource staff

July 30, 2019

LA Unified’s spending and accountability plan should be rejected and rewritten, says advocates’ complaint

Public Advocates argues the district doesn’t show how $1.2 billion in extra funding will benefit English learners and low-income students.

John Fensterwald

May 16, 2019

Gov. Newsom proposes tighter rules on charter school enrollment

Critics complain some California charter schools screen out students with disabilities and academically struggling students.

John Fensterwald

August 1, 2018

Many charter schools fail to disclose spending on low-income students, report says

Out of 70 LCAPs selected, Public Advocates couldn’t find 27 online and most of the 43 reviewed lacked key spending data and evidence of parent involvement.

John Fensterwald

July 24, 2018

Complaint spurs Bay Area district to provide parents with more timely accountability data

West Contra Costa Unified will give community committee updated information by November, according to settlement agreement.

Theresa Harrington

April 23, 2018

Advocates accuse Bay Area district of failing to release data on student performance

Data needed so public can have a say in how the district spends state funds

Theresa Harrington

October 3, 2017

LA County Office admits it shouldn't have approved Long Beach's LCAP

County officials are now demanding districts do a better job of justifying spending for low-income students and English learners under the funding formula.

John Fensterwald

September 15, 2017

California defines 'effective' and 'ineffective' teachers, and why it matters

A teacher's credential, not his or her performance, will define effectiveness under the state's education plan required by federal law.

John Fensterwald