EXPLORE: Student WellbeingCollege & CareersWeekly Podcast2018 Election
Reforms
TOPIC

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.
February 7, 2018

California's largest districts address chronic absenteeism with focus on why students miss school

Districts focusing on reasons for chronic absenteeism, such as illness, suspensions, transportation and family disruptions.

Nico Savidge
February 5, 2018

​Contrary to critics, parents tell pollster they find California’s school dashboard useful

Depending how the question is framed, they also favor rating schools on multiple factors, not issuing a single grade.

John Fensterwald
January 30, 2018

Federal, state visions for improving schools collide in California

The Every Student Succeeds Act is a battleground for the latest dispute between Sacramento and Washington.

John Fensterwald
January 16, 2018

California to explain but not change school improvement plan federal officials criticized

More details and tweaks in wording may not resolve key differences over Every Student Succeeds Act.

John Fensterwald
January 12, 2018

Can 600-plus California districts narrow the achievement gap?

Most must act on their own, without state or county assistance.

John Fensterwald and Daniel J. Willis
December 27, 2017

Federal government finds flaws in California’s plan to improve lowest-performing schools

Is state board exercising flexibility or violating the Every Student Succeeds Act?

John Fensterwald
December 11, 2017

New California 'dashboard' will prompt deeper questions about student and school performance

Parents are both capable of understanding multiple data points and eager to know more about their school’s successes and challenges.

Dianna MacDonald
December 3, 2017

24 ideas for improving the Local Control Funding Formula

EdSource sought the advice of experts, advocates and observers; common themes emerged on improving Gov. Jerry Brown's landmark law.

John Fensterwald
December 3, 2017

Jerry Brown's dilemma: fix school funding formula now or watch others do it later

Many praise the formula's ambitious goals but criticize its burdensome documentation requirements, inadequate funding and the lack of fiscal transparency.

John Fensterwald
November 27, 2017

State board’s next challenge: how to measure school climate, the heartbeat of a school

Study group recommends that districts conduct an annual survey of parents, students and teachers on school safety and students' wellbeing.

John Fensterwald
November 15, 2017

Legislative Analyst predicts healthy state revenues for California schools, community colleges

Gov. Brown could fully fund the Local Control Funding Formula ahead of schedule, with $2.5 billion to spare.

John Fensterwald
November 7, 2017

Democratic candidates for governor declare support for California's signature education reforms

John Chiang, Delaine Eastin, Gavin Newsom, and Antonio Villaraigosa all say they support the Local Control Funding Formula and California's emphasis on local control.

Louis Freedberg
November 6, 2017

Stagnant California test scores pose problem; state board may rejigger how to rate districts

State may change color configurations on the school dashboard to reduce the number of districts and student subgroups requiring county assistance.

John Fensterwald
October 4, 2017

New poll: Safe and positive school environment more important than higher test scores

A survey of California registered voters also shows strong support for school districts to devote more funds and resources to addressing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable students.

Louis Freedberg, John Fensterwald, and Theresa Harrington
October 3, 2017

LA County Office admits it shouldn't have approved Long Beach's LCAP

County officials are now demanding districts do a better job of justifying spending for low-income students and English learners under the funding formula.

John Fensterwald