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Policy & Finance

California, under Gov. Jerry Brown, has shifted control over budgeting and decision-making from the state to local districts. But Sacramento – through the State Board of Education and the Legislature – and Washington, D.C., still retain authority over setting broad education and school finance policies. EdSource Today is tracking the development of the Local Control Funding Formula, California’s new school finance system, and how districts are implementing this reform.
September 23, 2018

Newsom's 'cradle-to-career' education pledge will require sweeping changes in California

California's likely next governor has yet to spell out how much implementing his strategy will cost.

Karin Fischer
September 22, 2018

An urgent call for student leaders

The student position on the State Board of Education is California's most prominent opportunity for a student to participate in improving school systems.

Jeff Camp
September 20, 2018

Rejecting one-size-fits-all approach, California governor vetoes later school start time bill

SB 328 would have mandated 8:30 a.m. or later start times for most middle and high schools in the state, based on teen sleep deprivation research.

Theresa Harrington
September 20, 2018

Suspensions in California schools drop, but trouble spots remain

Instruction days lost to suspensions dropped nearly by half from 2011-12 to 2016-17, according to a new report. But African American and Native American students -- and students with disabilities -- are still suspended at disproportionately high rates.

David Washburn
September 18, 2018

School-based health care a low priority in California

The state ranks at or near the bottom nationwide in student access to health and counseling services. But all schools could offer basic care for $90 in added annual spending per student, report finds.

David Washburn
September 18, 2018

California governor signs bill that could yield millions for Oakland and Inglewood schools

Two districts facing budget deficits get state budget lifeline, but only if they make changes.

Theresa Harrington
September 17, 2018

Spending on California schools chief race expected to set records again

With few competitive races on California’s 2018 ballot, the focus of some top donors is shifting to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction race

Nico Savidge
September 17, 2018

Multifaceted reforms needed to reach California’s education goals, research project finds

Getting Down to Facts II finds strong support for education reforms but also obstacles to student achievement and a need for more funding.

John Fensterwald
September 17, 2018

Essential Guide to Getting Down to Facts II

Here are the take-aways from the studies on special education, funding needs, a teacher shortage, a data deficit, student mental health local control's unmet potential – and more.

John Fensterwald, Daniel J. Willis, Yuxuan Xie, And Justin Allen
September 17, 2018

Ten years on, California is making progress but must do more for preK-12 education

Getting Down to Facts II research project scrutinized how California's schools are doing after a decade of policy changes.

Susanna Loeb
September 13, 2018

Most districts complying with California’s sex ed law, but resistance remains

The vast majority of large urban districts statewide have implemented the 2015 California Healthy Youth Act. Yet uproar over the landmark law has garnered headlines in a few places, most notably Orange County.

David Washburn
September 9, 2018

Both sides lobbying California governor on bill to delay school start time for teens

A champion of local control, Gov. Brown must weigh whether state should require school districts to delay start times for teens. Advocates say research shows benefits of more sleep.

Theresa Harrington
September 7, 2018

California State Board of Education denies Rocketship charter school expansion bid

Some California State Board of Education members questioned Rocketship's capacity to expand, citing concerns about finances and educational programs.

Theresa Harrington
September 6, 2018

California to add chronic absenteeism, career/college indicators to education 'dashboard'

The State Board of Education has no answer to a basic question: Should the state measure readiness for 'college and careers' or 'college or careers'?

John Fensterwald
September 5, 2018

California adopts first computer science standards for K-12 students

The standards will guide teaching for K-12 students.

Diana Lambert