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

September 23, 2021

Staffing shortage delays ambitious program to extend school day and year in California

Low-income districts have priority funding for a nine-hour day and 30-day summer school; lacking staff, they'll have an extra year to plan.

John Fensterwald

Literacy

September 22, 2021

State superintendent sets goal to get all California third graders reading by 2026

State officials eye legislation aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of struggling early readers.

Ali Tadayon

State Education Policy

September 15, 2021

Newsom celebrates recall victory and schools’ safety record, but warns: ‘We must remain vigilant’

Visiting an Oakland Unified middle school, Newsom said he feels humbled and energized by the recall victory, and urges Covid safety measures.

Carolyn Jones

Homeless Youth

September 10, 2021

California schools to get help identifying homeless students if governor signs bill

Legislators say the need is urgent as researchers estimate the number of homeless students in California has increased during the pandemic.

Betty Márquez Rosales

Race and Equity

September 7, 2021

Research finds ethnic studies in San Francisco had enduring impact

Higher rates of graduation and college enrollment are tracked to course, but researcher urges caution in interpreting the study.

John Fensterwald

Commentary

September 7, 2021

Tightening layoff law would further squeeze school districts' ability to budget

Assembly Bill 438 would force districts to determine which support staff to retain three months before the state budget is passed and six months before the school year begins.

Vernon Billy

Coronavirus

September 7, 2021

Covid testing was supposed to keep schools safe. What happened?

Covid test shortages and inconsistent protocols at schools are leaving California parents confused and frustrated.

Carolyn Jones

State Education Policy

September 6, 2021

Changes for educating quarantined California students proposed by governor, Legislature

State leaders recognize crisis some districts face but don't backtrack from applying independent study to students sidelined by delta variant.

John Fensterwald

Coronavirus

September 3, 2021

Covid closes rural California schools as Delta variant spreads

At least five rural schools temporarily closed this week to stop Covid outbreaks from spreading. More are planning to close next week.

Diana Lambert

State Education Policy

August 27, 2021

Quarantines and teacher shortages: a double whammy for California districts

Independent study is now the only option for quarantined students; superintendents warn the regulations are too constraining.

John Fensterwald And Betty Márquez Rosales

Quick Guides

August 26, 2021

What is independent study in California? | Quick Guide

Independent study is this year's at-home alternative to in-person instruction for parents worried about contracting Covid. How will it work?

John Fensterwald And Sydney Johnson

Commentary

August 25, 2021

California’s aspiring community college transfer students deserve pathways to success

Inefficiencies in the transfer process from community colleges to UC and CSU that cost California students time and money can be streamlined by proposed bill.