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.

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.