Topic

Policy & Finance

While California’s Local Control Funding Formula shifted control over budgeting and decision making from the state to local districts, the state and federal government still retain authority over setting broad education and school finance policies. In this section, find articles about pressing challenges to California’s education system, the state’s education reforms, how school districts are implementing them, and their impact.

Literacy

September 22, 2021

State superintendent sets goal to get all California third graders reading by 2026

State officials eye legislation aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of struggling early readers.

Ali Tadayon

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

Financial Aid

September 16, 2021

Newsom administration opposes major changes to Cal Grants, calling them too costly

AB 1456 would make major changes to California's main financial aid program, but it's unclear if Gov. Gavin Newsom will sign the bill.

Michael Burke

State Education Policy

September 15, 2021

Newsom celebrates recall victory and schools’ safety record, but warns: ‘We must remain vigilant’

Visiting an Oakland Unified middle school, Newsom said he feels humbled and energized by the recall victory, and urges Covid safety measures.

Carolyn Jones

Elections and Education

September 14, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom resoundingly beats back recall election

Democratic voters rally around the California governor in the closing days of the campaign, in a strong turnout to keep him in office.

John Fensterwald And Thomas Peele

Legislation

September 13, 2021

Legislature reaffirms quarantined students must be in independent study to be funded

Some changes in the independent study law may help districts, but a teacher shortage remains the biggest obstacle to providing instruction.

John Fensterwald

Homeless Youth

September 10, 2021

California schools to get help identifying homeless students if governor signs bill

Legislators say the need is urgent as researchers estimate the number of homeless students in California has increased during the pandemic.

Betty Márquez Rosales

Testing and Accountability

September 10, 2021

California will give a short version of its standardized math and English tests next spring

State Board agrees to cut as much as 2 hours from lengthy Smarter Balanced assessments; parents won't receive as many details as in past.

John Fensterwald

Coronavirus

September 10, 2021

Independent study frustrates California parents who enrolled children

California has mandated that all school districts provide independent study as the only online learning option for students in grades K-12.

Betty Márquez Rosales

Commentary

September 8, 2021

School districts must start adjusting their Covid recovery plans soon

California public schools must act now and think differently to close Covid-related staff shortages.

Robert Tagorda

Elections and Education

September 8, 2021

Could a recall-elected Republican governor really shake up K-12 schools?

A supermajority in the Legislature would rein in a new governor, who'd also face long odds on the big prize: selling a voucher initiative next year.

John Fensterwald

Elections

September 8, 2021

Leading recall candidates lay out positions on K-12 issues

The four candidates leading in California recall polls respond to questions about their views on several K-12 education issues.

John Fensterwald

Race and Equity

September 7, 2021

Research finds ethnic studies in San Francisco had enduring impact

Higher rates of graduation and college enrollment are tracked to course, but researcher urges caution in interpreting the study.

John Fensterwald

Community Colleges

September 7, 2021

Bot attacks compound enrollment data problems at California Community Colleges

The California Community Colleges system has been unable to provide student enrollment totals for fall 2020 or spring 2021, even before bots enrolled fake students.

Thomas Peele, Daniel J. Willis, Larry Gordon, And Michael Burke

Commentary

September 7, 2021

Tightening layoff law would further squeeze school districts' ability to budget

Assembly Bill 438 would force districts to determine which support staff to retain three months before the state budget is passed and six months before the school year begins.