TOPIC

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.

March 12, 2018

Teacher shortage, lack of supplies hinder rollout of new science standards, report finds

Low-income and low-performing schools are facing the most obstacles in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards.

Carolyn Jones

March 12, 2018

California should stay the course with its education plan

The State Board of Education should approve the revised Every Student Succeeds Act state plan without delay.

Linda Darling-Hammond

March 8, 2018

Special education funding is a morass; straightening it out may not be cheap or easy

Lawmakers take the first step: discussing the growing needs and disparities in funding.

John Fensterwald

March 7, 2018

California closes in on compromise for complying with federal education law

State Board of Education to vote next week on significant changes to meet the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

John Fensterwald

March 7, 2018

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos praises California governor on local control of schools

The state is currently negotiating with federal officials over its plan to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Louis Freedberg

March 6, 2018

Some California districts are downplaying the National School Walkout as others embrace it

While many districts favor a hands-off approach focused on safety as they prepare for the nationwide protest on March 14 — in which students throughout the country will walk out of class to advocate for gun control — some see it as a teachable moment.

David Washburn

March 4, 2018

Oakland schools balance improving student performance while making deep budget cuts

Oakland Unified is one of 28 districts that could face state intervention if at least three student subgroups don't improve in the next two years.

Theresa Harrington

March 4, 2018

Fear, absenteeism, falling grades among impacts of immigration crackdown, study finds

A UCLA survey of 730 schools nationwide found widespread negative impacts related to deportation fears.

Carolyn Jones

March 1, 2018

Senators want to add extra $1.2 billion to California school funding formula next year

Districts strapped with rising expenses could use the money however they want.

John Fensterwald

February 28, 2018

Forecast for California school climates remains cloudy without good data, advocates say

School districts are trying a variety of strategies aimed at creating safe and welcoming school environments, but there is controversy over the role and frequency of student surveys, and how to use them.