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.

Commentary

June 26, 2022

California schools should opt for inclusive ethnic studies

As school districts are readying to spend $50 million from the state for ethnic studies curriculum development, they should adopt an ethnic studies course that is inclusive and ensure the process is transparent and open to input.

Bill Honig

Commentary

June 22, 2022

California must invest in science and math instruction in the state budget now

Funding to train teachers and build school districts' capacity to provide high-quality instruction in math and science is a priority in Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget, but not in the Legislature's. The governor is right.

Christopher J. Nellum, Peter A’Hearn and Shari Dickstein-Staub

Credentialing

June 17, 2022

California to create teaching credential covering pre-K through 3rd grade that requires literacy training

State commission hopes new credential will help attract thousands of teachers for transitional kindergarten; literacy advocates press for strong literacy standards.

John Fensterwald

School Finance

June 17, 2022

Advocates for community schools support more funding but call for fixes to program

Tight deadlines and rigid qualifications were among the concerns raised by supporters of the state's multi-year community schools initiative

Ali Tadayon

Commentary

June 13, 2022

With pressures on teachers at a boiling point, California needs new pathways into the profession

For long-term and lasting solutions, we must attract more young people to enter the teaching profession and give them the training and support they need to succeed.

Sarah Lillis & Anne Stanton

Commentary

June 8, 2022

California has tens of billions more in funding for its TK-12 schools. Is that enough to keep teachers from leaving?

California must invest more to attract and retain public school teachers when so many are considering quitting.

Angella Martinez

Commentary

June 7, 2022

We must reform Cal Grants to better support community college students

The current Cal Grant program creates artificial barriers for community college students to qualify for financial aid, which in turn affects both student access and success.

Marisa Perez and Byron D. Clift Breland

Policy & Finance

June 7, 2022

Schools would likely weather a recession; should the state budget for one?

A nearly $10 billion education rainy day fund and districts' own reserves would protect schools according to state analysts. At issue is how much funding Newsom and the Legislature should to commit to ongoing spending.

John Fensterwald

Commentary

June 2, 2022

We can stop the Head Start classroom crisis

Low wages for Head Start teachers are causing classrooms to close, leaving children without services and risking our financial future.

Anna Ioakimedes

Ethnic Studies

June 1, 2022

Debate turns hot over UC proposal to set criteria for high school ethnic studies

UC board that sets high school admissions requirements rejects draft ethnic studies guidelines viewed as ideological and divisive; drafters vow to fight on.

John Fensterwald

Commentary

May 31, 2022

Pathways to postsecondary and economic success: A golden opportunity for California students

Pathways prepare high school students for college and work by creating rich learning experiences that combine rigorous academics with career training and quicker routes to higher education.

Kyla Johnson-Trammell and Jill A. Baker

Commentary

May 25, 2022

Schools should avail of state funding to serve more freshly prepared and locally grown food

California districts are leading the way in offering fresh, healthy school meals for all students.

Brandy Dreibelbis

Commentary

May 19, 2022

A comprehensive reading plan is the only way to address our early literacy crisis

The failure to teach California’s three million low-income students to be effective readers is the ultimate existential threat.

Todd Collins

Commentary

May 18, 2022

California must consider rural districts' unique realities for community schools grants

Innovative program that allowed rural districts to collaborate to create and expand community school programs runs into a surprising roadblock.

Julie Boesch and Tim Taylor

Commentary

May 12, 2022

Computer Science is everywhere in our world but almost nowhere in California schools

The governor and the Legislature should use the state budget to finally invest in the computer science teachers who are guiding California’s students.