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Policy & Finance
Topic

Federal Education Policy

The election of Joe Biden to the presidency opens the door to changes in federal education policy that could affect California’s schools, institutions of higher education and students in a number of ways, ranging from federal stimulus funding to schools and colleges to how student loans are handled to oversight of for-profit colleges and more.

School Finance
March 9, 2022

Layoff notices are back in some California school districts in a year of plenty: How come?

For now, most California districts are flush with money. But those that aren't face a March 15 deadline to initiate layoffs they hope won't happen.

John Fensterwald
English Learners
January 24, 2022

How Congress can help students learning English

Report says Congress should triple federal funding for English learners and increase grants for bilingual teacher training and preschool.

Zaidee Stavely
School Finance
December 28, 2021

Catholic schools sue LA Unified for gutting funding for their low-income students

The California Department of Education found Los Angeles Unified violated the law in cutting 90% of funding for more than 100 archdiocese schools, and now the diocese is suing the district.

John Fensterwald
Early Learning
November 19, 2021

Universal preschool and affordable child care: What survives in Biden’s spending bill

The $2 trillion House-passed social policy bill includes about $400 billion earmarked for universal preschool and affordable child care and an extension of the child tax credit.

Karen D'Souza
Following Covid Money in Education
November 15, 2021

How will California districts spend $13.6 billion in federal Covid relief?

American Rescue Plan Act funding imposes few restrictions, although addressing lost learning and underserved students must be priorities.

John Fensterwald
Data
November 8, 2021

Find out how much California school districts and charter schools received in Covid relief | Database

See how the over $13.6 billion in federal aid to California’s K-12 schools will be spent using this interactive database.

Daniel J. Willis And Justin Allen
School Finance
November 5, 2021

State schools chief apologizes to private, parochial school leaders for mishandling federal Covid aid  

California schools chief acknowledges "heartburn" and frustration, promises to free up $187 million, largely for urban parochial schools.

John Fensterwald
Federal Education Policy
October 25, 2021

For months, California private schools have been waiting for 'emergency' Covid aid

Delay by the California Department of Education is denying vital services for students, creating a budget squeeze for urban Catholic schools.

John Fensterwald
Following Covid Money in Education
October 20, 2021

California state auditor urges tighter oversight of how districts spend federal Covid aid

State Auditor Elaine Howle faults California Department of Education for not scrutinizing spending and not doing more audits.

John Fensterwald
Early Learning
September 30, 2021

Will Biden's reconciliation bill transform early childhood education?

If these sweeping proposals are enacted, they would overhaul the nation’s child care system to make it more accessible and affordable.

Karen D'Souza
Commentary
September 20, 2021

Pell Grant students are doing all they can; they deserve our support.

If Congress beefed up the yearly Pell Grant award, UC students would be able to use more of their financial aid to cover additional basic living expenses and reduce their housing and food insecurity, while borrowing less.

Shawn Brick
Anne's Insights
July 16, 2021

Q&A: My conversation with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona

U.S. Secretary Miguel Cardona visited Los Angeles to promote building positive relationships through mentorship and community volunteering.

Anne Vasquez
Following Covid Money in Education
July 8, 2021

Few strings for colleges on how to spend record federal Covid relief dollars

The once-in-a-lifetime pandemic drove Congress and two presidential administrations to approve $69 billion in Covid relief for higher education with the highest amount, more than $9.5 billion, for California colleges and universities.

Thomas Peele
Commentary
May 21, 2021

Use of Covid-relief funds should be long-term, realistic and student-centered

In spending the windfall of funds available for districts this year, leaders must plan for the long term, avoid quick fixes and resist the temptation to say yes to more than they can actually do well.

Steven Kellner and Laura Schwalm
High-needs students
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