Policy & Finance

Topic

State Education Policy

The coronavirus pandemic 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.

January 26, 2023

Amid some bright spots, report shows toll of pandemic on California youth

Teacher shortage, youth mental health and math scores are cause for concern, but some policies seem to be helping

Carolyn Jones

State Education Policy

January 26, 2023

Four-day school week gaining popularity nationally. Why isn’t it happening in California?

Four-days school weeks are growing in popularity nationally. The schedule offers greater flexibility for families and teachers, but studies show it also can result in lower student test scores.

Diana Lambert

School Finance

January 18, 2023

The right choices? Leaders, policymakers and experts react to Gov. Newsom's 2022-23 education budget

See what education leaders are saying about the governor’s plan to fund education in the coming year.

EdSource staff

Commentary

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's higher education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2023-24 January budget proposal for California's public college and university systems.

EdSource staff

Commentary

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's K-12 education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget for the state's K-12 public schools.

EdSource staff

Commentary

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's early education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2023-24 January budget proposal for early education.

EdSource staff

Commentary

January 17, 2023

Ending California’s math wars requires leadership from Sacramento

While policymakers and advocates are arguing over how best to teach math, an increasing number of California's students are failing to learn math.

Pedro Noguera and Morgan Polikoff

Quick Guides

January 17, 2023

What you need to become a substitute teacher in California | Quick Guide

Substitute teachers became harder to find after the Covid-19 pandemic closed classrooms, but higher pay and fewer requirements are making the job more attractive.

Diana Lambert

State Education Policy

December 9, 2022

Lawsuit asserts California districts illegally charge summer school fees

The lawsuit by Public Counsel said that for-fee courses offered by district-affiliated foundations violate students' constitutional right to a free education.

John Fensterwald

Reforms

December 9, 2022

Does your district have what it takes to significantly improve?

Pivot Learning releases the District Readiness Index, a database for measuring how well California districts have met the conditions needed to make sustainable change.

John Fensterwald

Los Angeles Unified

November 28, 2022

LAUSD’s stunning reading score on NAEP: Illusion, real or something in between?

Was a quick computer distribution during Covid, a literacy initiative or a combination of factors, plus random error, behind a surprising 8th grade score in Los Angeles Unified?

John Fensterwald

Commentary

November 16, 2022

Voters reelected Tony Thurmond; now he needs to keep his promises on literacy

California needs to be screening all K-2 students for dyslexia and should also mandate that districts use literacy curriculum based on the science of reading.

Megan Bacigalupi

High-needs students

November 2, 2022

Students call on State Board of Education to address safety, equity and mental health

Student representatives from across California made a series of policy and curriculum recommendations during a presentation to the State Board of Education on Wednesday morning.

Emma Gallegos

Commentary

November 1, 2022

California's accountability system is failing English learners

The California School Dashboard masks the needs of English learners, leading to low expectations for these students and resulting in many districts not planning for their support and success.

Martha Hernandez

California's Reading Dilemma

October 27, 2022

New literacy standards for teacher candidates could be pivotal to improving student reading scores

Accreditation of California teacher preparation programs will hinge on whether they follow new literacy standards that focus more intensely on foundational reading skills.