April 19, 2019

Outside public view, panel faces tight deadline to recommend reforms of California's charter school law

The Charter Task Force is taking on one of the most heated education reform issues in the state and is shooting to come up with recommendations to send to Gov. Newsom by July 1.

Louis Freedberg

April 11, 2019

Efforts to restrict charter school growth in California inch forward in state Legislature

The Assembly Education Committee chaired by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, a former high school teacher, approved legislation that, among other things, would place a cap on charter schools in the state to approximately their current levels and deny the State Board of Education the ability to approve a charter application after being denied by a school district or county office of education.

Louis Freedberg

April 2, 2019

Lack of effective state education data system holds students back

Longitudinal system that connects K-12 and higher ed could help more students complete college.

Michal Kurlaender

March 28, 2019

California’s K-12 enrollment drops again, charter schools see increase

State releases enrollment data for 2018-19, revealing five-year trends that show an increase in Latino students, but a decrease in English learners.

Theresa Harrington

March 25, 2019

California needs a better education data system but who will manage it?

A well-constructed higher-education coordinating entity could change the course of California education from opaque and siloed to transparent and coordinated.

Ria Sengupta Bhatt

March 20, 2019

A cap on charters would only cap family choices

Don't ignore the powerful impact charter schools have on student's lives, former student says.

Michael Phillips

March 14, 2019

Charter school supporters unveil battle strategy against push to restrict growth in California

The California Charter Schools Association takes aim at the California Teachers Association.

Diana Lambert

March 8, 2019

California governor's new task force on charter schools convenes

The task force will examine the financial impact of charter schools and report back to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

John Fensterwald

March 5, 2019

Gov. Newsom signs legislation requiring charter school transparency in California

Both the California Teachers Association and the California Charter Schools Association, which have been waging a high-profile battle over charter schools, were represented at signing event in the Capitol. The bill became law only two weeks after it was first heard in committee in the State Capitol.

Louis Freedberg And Diana Lambert

February 28, 2019

Disclosure requirements for charter schools await Gov. Newsom's signature

California's open meetings, public records and conflict-of-interest laws will soon apply to charter schools. Newsom called for the legislation.

John Fensterwald

February 28, 2019

Bay Area district joins others in calling for moratorium on charter school expansions

School boards in West Contra Costa Unified, Los Angeles Unified and Oakland Unified have all expressed concerns about the growth of charter schools.

Theresa Harrington

February 28, 2019

Charter schools are not to blame for Oakland Unified's financial woes

Scapegoating charters not the solution to district's labor dispute, author says.

Eric Premack

February 26, 2019

Proposed legislation would substantially curb growth of California charter schools

Legislation by the chair of the Assembly Education Committee would ban appeals, cap charters at the current level and factor in charter schools’ fiscal impact on authorizing districts

John Fensterwald

February 21, 2019

Support, strengthen education reforms in California, new report urges

Learning Policy Institute says schools need more funding, teachers need more support and the public needs more help understanding where the money goes.

John Fensterwald

February 18, 2019

California students may not be ready for new science test

Although students will begin taking the California Science Test in March, most school districts have yet to approve textbooks or materials aligned to the new standards adopted six years ago by the State Board of Education. Still, federal law is requiring California to begin testing this year.

Diana Lambert