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Charter Schools

Charter schools are tuition-free, tax-funded public schools that have been given more flexibility and autonomy than district-operated schools. In California, most are run by nonprofit boards of directors. As of the fall of 2016, California’s 1,254 charter schools enrolled 602,837 students — for the first time serving 1 in 10 of California’s public school students.
June 19, 2018

In race for California governorship, Newsom and Villaraigosa pledge unity

Newsom also pledges, if elected governor, to sign legislation that would require greater transparency in the operations and finances of charter schools.

Louis Freedberg and Mikhail Zinshteyn
June 5, 2018

Surge of funds from pro-charter advocates backs Villaraigosa in last leg of primary campaign

Contributions to independent expenditure committees set up by charter school advocates to back Villaraigosa near $23 million.

Louis Freedberg
May 31, 2018

Where the two leading candidates for California superintendent stand on the issues

Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck aren't as far apart as millions spent for and against them would imply.

John Fensterwald and Yuxuan Xie
May 30, 2018

California governor’s race: Dems agree on child care, higher spending; differ on districts rejecting charters based on financial impact

The candidates differ on how they would work toward their goals to improve education in California.

Nico Savidge
May 23, 2018

California superintendent candidates oppose big money from special interests

Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond also challenge attempts to categorize either of them as “pro” or “anti-charter.”

Nico Savidge
May 16, 2018

Charter school backers' support for former LA mayor's bid for governor grows

Contribution of $2 million from San Francisco philanthropist William Oberndorf boosts contributions to independent expenditure committee backing Villaraigosa to just over $16 million

Louis Freedberg and Nico Savidge
April 16, 2018

Big money from charter backers has potential to reshape governor's race

Contributions come at a time of slowing expansion of charter school sector in California and nationally

Louis Freedberg
April 12, 2018

Averting a strike, teachers reach tentative agreement on contract with California's largest online charter school

Louis Freedberg
March 27, 2018

While criticizing Newsom, California charter school group endorses Villaraigosa for governor

The association also endorses Marshall Tuck for superintendent of public instruction.

David Washburn and Louis Freedberg
March 26, 2018

Great teachers make every student feel included

A public school teacher’s job is to provide a safe, supportive learning environment for all students.

Jillayne Antoon
February 14, 2018

With support instead of punishment, a California school district works to improve special education 

County offices of education are working with districts identified for "differentiated assistance" due to poor performance by student subgroups.

Theresa Harrington
February 13, 2018

Understanding California education department's role in state's charter schools: A quick guide

The state charter schools division advises the state board on charter school issues and provides grants to schools.

George White
February 13, 2018

Shirley Ford, a California school choice champion, dies

Ford helped pass the "parent trigger" law that enables parents to remove leaders of underachieving schools.

George White
February 1, 2018

Kickboxing and Kundalini: Part of a novel approach to reducing charter school teacher attrition

A Los Angeles charter school network creates a wellness program to lower teacher stress and boost teacher retention.

George White
January 22, 2018

LA’s choice: In charter wars, board members say they will seek bridge builder as next schools chief

For the L.A. Unified board, outgoing superintendent may be the model for a successor.

George White