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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.
October 20, 2017

In strategy shift, Gates Foundation to spend bulk of education dollars on 'locally driven solutions'

The foundation says it will spend $1.7 billion on K-12 education over the next five years, on local, regional and state networks, "big bets" on innovation, charter schools, and research and development.

Louis Freedberg
October 12, 2017

California joins trend among states to abandon high school exit exam

Exam suspended in 2015 no longer required for graduation, now that state has adopted new Common Core standards and school accountability metrics.

Theresa Harrington and Louis Freedberg
October 9, 2017

Virtual charter academies in California must refund nearly $2 million to state

State audit shines spotlight on problems at online charter schools

Louis Freedberg
October 8, 2017

Signs of hope amid Smarter Balanced math scores

Third-graders, the first class taught according to Common Core standards since kindergarten, show the biggest gains.

Carolyn Jones
October 4, 2017

New poll: Safe and positive school environment more important than higher test scores

A survey of California registered voters also shows strong support for school districts to devote more funds and resources to addressing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable students.

Louis Freedberg, John Fensterwald, and Theresa Harrington
October 3, 2017

LA County Office admits it shouldn't have approved Long Beach's LCAP

County officials are now demanding districts do a better job of justifying spending for low-income students and English learners under the funding formula.

John Fensterwald
October 2, 2017

Shelters, cars and crowded rooms

An EdSource special report on how the housing crisis has forced more students into homelessness.

Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017

California map shows hot spots of homeless students

Explore our map showing the percentage of homeless students as reported by California's more than 10,000 schools.

Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017

Amid affluence, youth homelessness surges in the Bay Area

Nearly 15,000 children living in shelters, motels, cars or "doubled up" with other families

Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
October 2, 2017

Oakland shelter gives homeless teen hope for a future

An audio story on the challenges facing homeless students in Oakland and the resources available to them, like the Dreamcatcher Youth Shelter

Sarah Tan
October 2, 2017

Schools face challenge bringing homeless children out of the shadows

Over a quarter of the state’s nearly 10,500 schools report zero homeless students meaning homeless students in those districts aren't receiving the specialized assistance required by state and federal law.

Carolyn Jones and Daniel J. Willis
September 27, 2017

Scores flat in 3rd year of California's Smarter Balanced tests

Search results for the 2016-17 Smarter Balanced assessments of math and English language arts by school or district and see three-year trendlines for the Common Core-aligned tests.

John Fensterwald
September 21, 2017

Expanded rating system helps California parents understand how schools are doing

GreatSchools plans to expand school ratings in all 50 states and the District of Columbia by November.

Theresa Harrington
September 17, 2017

Legislation roundup: STEM school, later school start, 'meal shaming,' budget reserves; what passed and what didn't

What also happened to California proposals for charter schools, fiscal transparency, longer teacher probation — and more.

EdSource staff
September 15, 2017

California defines 'effective' and 'ineffective' teachers, and why it matters

A teacher's credential, not his or her performance, will define effectiveness under the state's education plan required by federal law.

John Fensterwald