Policy & Finance

Topic

State Education Policy

The coronavirus pandemic has upended education in California, shifting the focus from a series of major reforms initiated by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2013 that changed how funding was allocated to schools and the accountability systems for schools and districts. Nonetheless, efforts to make California’s systems of education more equitable from cradle to career, continue.

In this section, you will find articles about the legislation and policies that affect California’s public schools and universities.

School Finance

November 17, 2021

$20 billion more projected in early forecast for 2022-23 funding for K-14 schools

Legislative Analyst's Office forecasts rocketing state revenues will provide K-12 schools and community colleges with $102.7 billion.

John Fensterwald

Student Health

October 29, 2021

California school vaccine mandate coming soon, but questions remain

California’s school vaccine mandate is moving closer to reality with the imminent approval of the Covid-19 vaccine for kids, but many are confused.

Diana Lambert

Following Covid Money in Education

October 20, 2021

California state auditor urges tighter oversight of how districts spend federal Covid aid

State Auditor Elaine Howle faults California Department of Education for not scrutinizing spending and not doing more audits.

John Fensterwald

State Education Policy

October 13, 2021

What's next for California education? New laws and vetoes

This year, the Legislature's focus on education was on Covid-related bills and on a record-high state budget, which includes tens of billions of new and one-time spending, along with policy decisions on how to spend the money.

EdSource staff

Race and Equity

October 8, 2021

California becomes first state to require ethnic studies in high school

One year after he vetoed legislation, Gov. Newsom signs bill, also releasing $50 million for districts to create ethnic studies curricula.

John Fensterwald

Legislation

October 8, 2021

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs $123.9 billion package to support K-12 education

The 22-bill package will increase broadband infrastructure, develop mental and behavioral health support and add a new ethnic studies high school graduation requirement.

Betty Márquez Rosales

Reforms

October 8, 2021

Proposed 2022 California ballot initiative sets stage to define 'high-quality' education

David Welch, who lost a lawsuit challenging teacher tenure, is trying a new tack: a constitutional guarantee for a "high-quality" education.

John Fensterwald

State Education Policy

October 8, 2021

California independent study sparks equity concerns for students with disabilities

Independent study does not always provide services to students with special needs who can't attend in-person classes, families say.

Carolyn Jones

Commentary

October 7, 2021

Equity in learning starts with equity for community college teachers

The majority of community college faculty are limited to working part time, often commuting from one district to another. A bill before the governor would allow colleges to increase the number of hours part-time faculty can work in a single district.

John Martin

Policy & Finance

October 6, 2021

Newsom signs bills to ease college transfer and improve student housing

Gov. Newsom signed additional bills Wednesday advancing college funding, transfers and affordability.

Ashley A. Smith

Commentary

October 5, 2021

California’s new reading goal is achievable, but it needs to be more meaningful

The state has taken great care to develop standards and exams in line with the expectations of colleges and employers. Now is the moment for policymakers to ensure their education goals match the state’s economic development needs.

David Wakelyn

State Education Policy

October 4, 2021

How California's commitment to safety is leading us out of the pandemic

The history of pandemics illustrates the importance of continued vigilance.

Linda Darling-Hammond

Coronavirus

October 1, 2021

California to require Covid vaccine for all students, Newsom says

The mandate, the nation’s first, applies to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade in public, charter and private schools.

Carolyn Jones

Transitional Kindergarten

September 30, 2021

Hope, caution among experts as California rolls out transitional kindergarten for all 4-year-olds

The EdSource roundtable included policymakers, researchers, advocates and a transitional kindergarten teacher, who discussed the expansion of TK.

Carolyn Jones

State Education Policy

September 30, 2021

Classified school employees should have the same job protections as teachers and administrators

Unlike certificated staff, classified employees, including cafeteria and custodial staff and school bus drivers, can be laid off any time of the school year with only a 60-day notice.