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Federal Education Policy

The federal government provides about 8 percent of K-12 dollars, primarily through Title I funding for children from low-income families and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Obama administration sought to expand leverage over states through the Race to the Top competition, but a deadlock in Congress over reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act has left federal policy in flux.
May 9, 2018

State Board of Education President Mike Kirst announces he'll retire — and reflects on changes he has led

He acknowledges that he couldn’t duplicate the special relationship advising a governor for 44 years.

John Fensterwald
May 3, 2018

African-American students with disabilities suspended at disproportionately high rates

Report finds those students lose substantially more instruction time due to discipline than their white counterparts.

Lee Romney
April 13, 2018

California's plan for Every Student Succeeds Act heads to Betsy DeVos for approval

The state board is satisfied with compromises but will seek one waiver involving English learners.

John Fensterwald
April 8, 2018

To compromise or not: State education board to vote on California’s amended plan for meeting federal law

The state could still seek waivers from changes that board members don’t like — but only after a plan is submitted.

John Fensterwald
April 5, 2018

How a tiny Native American community's trauma might impact education law

A judge’s ruling in a case brought on behalf of schoolchildren in a Grand Canyon reservation could impact whether school districts are required to provide disability services to students impacted by trauma and adversity.

David Washburn
March 29, 2018

Districts must do more to reduce low-income schools' share of inexperienced, ineffective teachers under new federal law

Effectiveness has nothing to do with teachers' impact or performance, as California defines it under the new federal law.

John Fensterwald
March 26, 2018

Federal help available to California schools struggling with wildfire costs

Funding is available for bus service for displaced students, staff overtime, air filters and other fire-related expenses.

Carolyn Jones
March 20, 2018

How Trump repeal of Obama-era school discipline guidelines could affect California

Civil rights advocates worry that if the Trump administration decides to rescind federal school discipline guidance established in 2014, the action could hamper reform efforts at the local level. Meanwhile, state officials say it would have no real effect on statewide policy.

David Washburn
March 14, 2018

State Board postpones vote on revising California's education plan to meet federal requirements

Big question for board members: Would the deal undermine the state's strategy for reforms?

John Fensterwald
March 12, 2018

California should stay the course with its education plan

The State Board of Education should approve the revised Every Student Succeeds Act state plan without delay.

Linda Darling-Hammond
March 7, 2018

California closes in on compromise for complying with federal education law

State Board of Education to vote next week on significant changes to meet the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

John Fensterwald
March 7, 2018

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praises California governor on local control of schools

The state is currently negotiating with federal officials over its plan to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Louis Freedberg
February 26, 2018

Key justice is silent as Supreme Court re-argues case critical to CTA, other public employee unions

Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch will break the court’s deadlock over compulsory union fees.

John Fensterwald
February 26, 2018

What’s at issue, what’s at stake in Janus, the Supreme Court case challenging compulsory union fees

The court's newest justice, Neil Gorsuch, will decide if unions have cause for worry.

John Fensterwald
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