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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.
November 14, 2017

California at bottom in nationwide ranking of accountability systems; state board president disagrees

Fordham Institute gives high fives to what California dislikes: grading schools A to F with heavy weight for test scores.

John Fensterwald
November 12, 2017

Understanding how schools serve homeless children in California : a quick guide

Federal law guarantees homeless children a right to an education, regardless of where they're living.

Carolyn Jones
October 13, 2017

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos finds out about personalized learning at California school

DeVos said she learned a lot on tour of school, which drew protests from some who said they objected to her visit.

Theresa Harrington
October 5, 2017

Most California voters polled back private school vouchers for low-income kids

But support shrinks, with Democrats opposed, to idea of giving government subsidies for religious or private schools to all parents, regardless of income.

John Fensterwald
September 15, 2017

California defines 'effective' and 'ineffective' teachers, and why it matters

A teacher's credential, not his or her performance, will define effectiveness under the state's education plan required by federal law.

John Fensterwald
September 13, 2017

State adopts plan required by federal education law; here's what's in it

California officials insist Every Student Succeeds Act will not alter the direction of the state's ongoing reforms.

John Fensterwald
September 13, 2017

California gets waiver from administering old science tests, but only for last year

Students will take pilot tests based on new science standards.

Louis Freedberg and Carolyn Jones
September 12, 2017

California plan puts state on the right track to achieve academic goals for its students

Plan ensures maximum flexibility for California to continue its ground-breaking educational reforms.

Gary Toebben
September 12, 2017

California's education plan must be more transparent about student performance

State can support schools and districts without shame and blame while also showing clearly how students are doing.

Samantha Tran
September 6, 2017

Long shadow is cast over DACA debate by 9/11 attacks

Can Congress channel the spirit that prevailed in Washington on Sept. 6, 2001, when Mexican President Vicente Fox addressed a joint session of Congress?

Louis Freedberg
September 5, 2017

Understanding DACA and education in California: a quick guide

A possible phase-out of DACA won't mean changes to California's financial aid to undocumented students. But those students are worried about their futures if they lose their permits to work legally and might face deportation.

Larry Gordon
July 20, 2017

California proposes minimal sanctions for low participation in state tests

A new icon in the school dashboard would signify less than 95 percent participation.

John Fensterwald
July 20, 2017

Betsy DeVos and teachers' union leader trade barbs

U.S. Education Secretary and American Federation of Teachers President's comments highlight division that exists between some school choice advocates and those who back traditional public schools.

Theresa Harrington
July 17, 2017

State board, advocacy groups fundamentally disagree over plan for complying with federal education law

Is the state's bare-bones response to the Every Student Succeeds Act a shrewd tactic or a missed opportunity?

John Fensterwald
July 10, 2017

State board faces deadline, tough decisions on new federal law for improving schools

The proposal to use dashboard colors to identify the lowest-achieving schools is being sharply criticized.

John Fensterwald