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Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools typically run by nonprofit organizations, and have more flexibility and autonomy than regular public schools. California has over 1,300 charter schools— serving a little more than 1 in 10 of California’s public school students. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom engineered major reforms of California’s 1992 charter school legislation — at the time the second of its kind in the nation. Those reforms are intended to bring more transparency and oversight of the charter school sector.

Federal Education Policy
June 29, 2022

Charter schools, abundant in California, could be a Supreme Court target

Critics of the Carson v. Makin decision are warning that charter schools could be drawn into the next skirmish over religious expression.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
June 15, 2022

Students in personalized learning schools deserve equitable funding

Personalized learning offers an alternative to students who don't thrive in traditional classroom settings. These public schools need the same protections against the financial disruptions of pandemic-related enrollment declines as other California schools.

Jeff Rice
Commentary
June 14, 2022

It's time for win-win district and charter relationships to address declining enrollment   

Educating children shouldn’t be a Machiavellian zero-sum game.

Janie Dam
California's Enrollment Rollercoaster
April 25, 2022

A new chapter for charter schools in California as enrollment drops for first time in 3 decades

With California charter school enrollment declining for the first time in three decades, operators and funders look to new areas of the state for future growth.

John Fensterwald
State Education Policy
February 1, 2022

The late state Sen. Gary Hart's legacy looms large on California education

Former state Sen. Gary Hart, who died last week at 78, authored bills allowing charter schools in California, creating a statewide student assessment and a minimum school year.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
January 23, 2022

Quarantines are costing our students financially

California schools must be allowed to follow state-mandated quarantine requirements without losing funding.

Mala Batra
Commentary
October 26, 2021

Rebuilding community: Simpler than it sounds, harder than it looks

After the devastating emotional and mental toll of the pandemic, it is almost unthinkable to imagine asking students to learn to read, play an instrument, or solve algebra equations without first rebuilding a nurturing and safe environment.

Tony Solina
Commentary
May 28, 2021

Proposed law would disrupt the education of thousands of students

AB1316 would close numerous schools and displace thousands of students and families throughout California.

Michael Brajkovich
Los Angeles Unified
November 25, 2020

Los Angeles charter schools offered reprieve amid pandemic

Citing “unprecedented circumstances” related to Covid-19, L.A. Unified chose to renew four charter schools that otherwise met the criteria to be denied renewal under a new law.

Michael Burke
Commentary
October 11, 2020

State lawmakers hurt charter schools, online learning with funding deal

The budget for the new fiscal year froze funding for schools at their 2019-20 level, preventing additional state funding for growing schools with increased numbers of students in the fall.

Lance Izumi
Coronavirus
September 25, 2020

Waiting lists for home-school programs as parents grow weary of distance learning

Home-schooling programs have seen a surge of interest since campuses closed in March. Parents are looking for flexibility and control.

Diana Lambert
Charter Schools
August 10, 2020

Los Angeles is ground zero for the interpretation of California’s new charter schools law

Charter schools and district leaders in Los Angeles are at odds over a law giving districts more authority to reject charter schools.

Michael Burke
Charter Schools
July 29, 2020

California charter schools sue state for not funding additional students this year

School funding is based on last year’s student enrollments but that eliminates money for charter schools that already had planned to expand.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
July 13, 2020

7 things teachers can do to address student trauma – especially during distance learning

Trauma-informed approach to learning will make return to school more successful for students and teachers.

Caprice Young
Charter Schools
February 20, 2020

Michael Bloomberg has invested heavily in promoting charter schools in California

His backing of charter schools could have an impact on his drive for the Democratic nomination, especially if the race is not decided by the time of the convention.

Louis Freedberg