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State Education Policy

In passing the Local Control Funding Formula in 2013, the Legislature shifted decision-making back to local districts and steered more money to districts with higher proportions of low-income children and English learners. Proposition 98, adopted in 1988, sets the overall yearly level of K-12 and community college spending through a complex formula tied to the growth in the state economy.

July 20, 2017

Betsy DeVos and teachers' union leader trade barbs

U.S. Education Secretary and American Federation of Teachers President's comments highlight division that exists between some school choice advocates and those who back traditional public schools.

Theresa Harrington
July 18, 2017

Now for the hard part: translating new vision for community colleges into student success

The Vision for Success plan adopted by the college system's board of governors lays out a pathway to support students.

Louis Freedberg
July 18, 2017

State Board of Education approves English Learner Roadmap

New state policy is expected to help schools meet California's Vision of Success for English learners.

Theresa Harrington
July 17, 2017

Community college board approves new goals for increasing graduation rates

While praising the plan’s targets, members of the California community Colleges Board of Governors also questioned whether the goals can become reality given the state’s complicated structure for governing community colleges.

Mikhail Zinshteyn
July 17, 2017

Later school start bill moves forward

SB 328, by Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Cañada Flintridge, would require all middle and high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Theresa Harrington
July 16, 2017

California's community colleges' new push to improve graduation and transfer rates

If approved and carried out, the plan could lead to more Californians with two- or four-year degrees entering the workforce.

Mikhail Zinshteyn
July 12, 2017

California must take steps to grow the bilingual teacher workforce

Teacher shortage limits districts' ability to expand bilingual offerings.

Vickie Ramos Harris and Shelly Spiegel-Coleman
July 10, 2017

State board faces deadline, tough decisions on new federal law for improving schools

The proposal to use dashboard colors to identify the lowest-achieving schools is being sharply criticized.

John Fensterwald
July 5, 2017

California moves to expand K-12 computer science instruction

New state budget includes funding for two significant initiatives to expand K-12 student access to computer science coursework and instruction.

Trish Williams
June 28, 2017

National arts scores are in, and the western U.S. lags behind

Despite its creativity-focused economy, California arts education among the nation's worst

Carolyn Jones
June 14, 2017

The multiple benefits of learning two languages

California has taken important steps to support dual language learners.

Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio
June 7, 2017

Students perform better at schools offering extra services on campus, study finds

Learning Policy Institute research shows student achievement improves at schools that offer on-campus social services.

Carolyn Jones
June 7, 2017

Q & A: Poor students and English learners did better on tests but achievement gaps yet to narrow

Standardized test results from 2015 and 2016 show disadvantaged students aren't progressing as quickly as wealthier, English-fluent peers.

Theresa Harrington
May 25, 2017

State board rethinking how to measure performance of alternative schools

Standard metrics often don't capture the work of schools serving at-risk students.

John Fensterwald
May 24, 2017

Election aftermath: Don't expect to see big increases in LA charter schools

Expanding charters will exacerbate L.A. Unified's major challenges, including a prospective budget deficit and declining enrollment.

Louis Freedberg and Mikhail Zinshteyn