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Topic

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.
Testing and Accountability
July 21, 2021

Tired of the same old student assessments? This fund wants to help

The Advanced Education Research & Development Fund is calling for project proposals on how assessment can be done better.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
July 8, 2021

The ‘stars aligned’ in budget deal, but hurdles remain for early education

This is much work still to be done to ensure the pre-K entitlement will narrow, rather than reinforce, gaps in children’s early learning.

Bruce Fuller
Local Control Funding Formula
June 18, 2021

State orders stricter county oversight of districts' spending for low-income kids, English learners

California Department of Education sides with faith-based organizations that challenged how the San Bernardino county office approved LCAPs.

John Fensterwald
Local Control Funding Formula
June 9, 2021

Little action on building state website to track districts’ spending

Nearly a year after money was budgeted, the California Department of Education hasn't completed the contract needed to move forward.

John Fensterwald
Parent Voices
June 2, 2021

California parents need a seat at the education reform table

The pandemic galvanized parents to become advocates for their children. They must lean in to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine what education reform means in California.

Megan Bacigalupi and Rebecca Bodenheimer
Commentary
May 28, 2021

Proposed law would disrupt the education of thousands of students

AB1316 would close numerous schools and displace thousands of students and families throughout California.

Michael Brajkovich
Math and Science
May 20, 2021

California math curriculum spurs new controversy about accelerated learning

Voluntary guidance for math instruction faces criticism from parents saying it stunts potential for students in advanced math pathways.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's early education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's higher education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's K-12 budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s revised 2021-22 budget for K-12 education.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Expanded Learning
May 17, 2021

Summer school plans hinge on teacher energy

California school districts have plenty of money for robust summer school programs this year, but teachers may just be too tired to sign up.

Diana Lambert
School Finance
May 12, 2021

Newsom proposes universal transitional kindergarten, new programs for low-income students

With a continuing surge in revenue, the governor would expand community schools and create a $500 college savings account for every low-income first grader.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
May 10, 2021

Let's make free school meals for all permanent in California

One of the best ways to help students improve their academic performance is to nourish their bodies as well as their minds.

Trieste Huey and Stephanie Bruce
Commentary
April 26, 2021

California's school district accountability plans need more rigorous review by county leaders

In the absence of effective oversight, too many districts' local control and accountability plans, or LCAPs, focus more on compliance with the letter of the law than on improving outcomes for their students.

Steve Rees
Commentary
April 16, 2021

Infusion of federal funds must be used to reimagine education in the San Joaquin Valley

Influx of funding in response to the pandemic provides a unique opportunity to reimagine cradle-to-career education in the San Joaquin Valley.

Don Shalvey