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Reforms

Current reforms to public education include the new Common Core State Standards for learning, the Local Control Funding Formula for school districts, the rise of charter schools and the growth of partnerships between schools, nonprofits, businesses and other government agencies. You will also find reporting about new initiatives and smaller reforms throughout the EdSource site.
June 20, 2018

California budget deal includes extra funding for students with lowest test scores

Persistence pays off for Assemblywoman Shirley Weber with a compromise resulting in $300 million in one-time spending.

John Fensterwald
June 19, 2018

In race for California governorship, Newsom and Villaraigosa pledge unity

Newsom also pledges, if elected governor, to sign legislation that would require greater transparency in the operations and finances of charter schools.

Louis Freedberg and Mikhail Zinshteyn
June 14, 2018

California lawmakers approve 2018-19 state budget: how schools, colleges will fare

There's enough new money to "fully fund" the Local Control Funding Formula and stave off UC and CSU tuition increases.

John Fensterwald, Yuxuan Xie, Mikhail Zinshteyn, and Justin Allen
June 5, 2018

LA Unified not directing enough money to help low-income students, report charges

The rising costs of health care and pensions stand in the way of meeting the promise of the funding formula, says the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

John Fensterwald
June 5, 2018

Surge of funds from pro-charter advocates backs Villaraigosa in last leg of primary campaign

Contributions to independent expenditure committees set up by charter school advocates to back Villaraigosa near $23 million.

Louis Freedberg
May 31, 2018

Where the two leading candidates for California superintendent stand on the issues

Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck aren't as far apart as millions spent for and against them would imply.

John Fensterwald and Yuxuan Xie
May 30, 2018

California governor’s race: Dems agree on child care, higher spending; differ on districts rejecting charters based on financial impact

The candidates differ on how they would work toward their goals to improve education in California.

Nico Savidge
May 23, 2018

California superintendent candidates oppose big money from special interests

Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond also challenge attempts to categorize either of them as “pro” or “anti-charter.”

Nico Savidge
May 21, 2018

Push underway to increase California school funding by billions

Assembly Bill 2808 sets a goal of $35 billion more in base spending for the Local Control Funding Formula; that would put California among the top 10 states in spending but without a deadline or means to reach it.

John Fensterwald
May 21, 2018

Community college reforms are on the right track

Colleges must become more student-focused in their practices, advocates say.

Michele Siqueiros
May 16, 2018

Charter school backers' support for former LA mayor's bid for governor grows

Contribution of $2 million from San Francisco philanthropist William Oberndorf boosts contributions to independent expenditure committee backing Villaraigosa to just over $16 million

Louis Freedberg and Nico Savidge
May 15, 2018

Resources often don't match rhetoric for restorative justice in California schools

While awareness of restorative justice is high among school officials statewide, budgets for programs remain tiny in most school districts.

David Washburn
May 14, 2018

A South LA high school's journey back from the brink

Augustus F. Hawkins High, which is situated at the crossroads of multiple gang territories, almost died at its birth. A commitment to restorative justice helped save it.

David Washburn
May 13, 2018

The rise of restorative justice in California schools brings promise, controversy

Many tout the practice as a groundbreaking alternative to zero-tolerance policies and a way to alleviate discipline disparities, while some say it's being oversold as a quick fix.

David Washburn
May 9, 2018

A closer look at California’s impressive educational performance

Recent reforms are translating into improved performance, says former state schools chief.

Bill Honig