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Local Control Funding Formula

California has reformed its system of school financing by introducing the Local Control Funding Formula. The formula, which requires districts to draw up a Local Control and Accountability Plan, grants more decision-making powers to school districts, and also gives additional state funds to districts based on the number of low-income students, English learners, foster children and homeless youth they serve.
September 17, 2017

Legislation roundup: STEM school, later school start, 'meal shaming,' budget reserves; what passed and what didn't

What also happened to California proposals for charter schools, fiscal transparency, longer teacher probation — and more.

EdSource staff
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 14, 2017

Los Angeles Unified settles lawsuit over funding for 'high-needs' students

The district agrees to provide an additional $150 million to 50 high-needs schools.

George White
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 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 11, 2017

California's education plan affirms commitment to local control

California's ESSA plan meets the federal government’s requirements while affirming the state's commitment to local control that allows teachers, principals and superintendents to meet the needs of our diverse students.

Michael Kirst
September 7, 2017

'Friendly critic' of California's school district reforms issues warning

Michael Fullan says the state has pursued the 'right drivers' with, so far, a flawed implementation.

John Fensterwald
September 2, 2017

Lawmaker to request state audit of districts' compliance with funding formula

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi says data will show if funding is really spent on English learners and low-income students.

John Fensterwald
August 28, 2017

With multiple challenges, rural schools warrant far more attention

Educators in California's rural schools face challenges that are different but just as daunting as those of their urban counterparts.

Carl Cohn
August 2, 2017

Watchdog agency's new CEO warns of impact of dwindling school revenue

Districts' revenues may be back to pre-recession levels, but not their buying power, says FCMAT's Michael Fine.

John Fensterwald
July 11, 2017

New funds available to train bilingual teachers in California

An advocacy group for English learners says the $5 million in new state money to train more bilingual teachers is a "first step," and warns that Proposition 58 has worsened a severe shortage of bilingual teachers.

Ashley Hopkinson
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
July 9, 2017

Author strips key parts of bill requiring more transparency in school spending

Proponents said public needs to know where money from Local Control Formula goes.

John Fensterwald
July 2, 2017

Votes coming on teacher tenure, for-profit charters, other key bills

Legislators must decide this month before they take August off.

EdSource staff
June 28, 2017

Governor signs 2017-18 budget allocating more money to schools

Budget increases Local Control Funding Formula to 97 percent, boosts higher education spending and preschool eligibility.

Theresa Harrington