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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.

Local Control Funding Formula
June 18, 2021

State orders stricter county oversight of districts' spending for low-income kids, English learners

California Department of Education sides with faith-based organizations that challenged how the San Bernardino county office approved LCAPs.

John Fensterwald
School Finance
June 14, 2021

Legislature passes placeholder budget to buy time for a deal with Gov. Newsom

Legislators and governor agree on most education spending, but legislators want more funding for child care, Cal Grants and pension relief.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
June 10, 2021

Transitional kindergarten for all would hurt early education providers

A "mixed delivery" system, in which state-funded early learning programs can be in any school, would better serve the needs of families.

Christopher Maricle & Teri Davies
Commentary
June 9, 2021

Leaving ‘apples to oranges’ behind, California has a chance to paint a true picture of our schools’ performances

Pandemic has created a window of opportunity for California to add a growth measure to the dashboard for evaluating schools.

Annette Gonzalez
Coronavirus
June 7, 2021

Most California schools offering summer school, planning to reopen fully in fall

California school districts are planning for summer school and for a full return to campuses in the fall, according to data released by the state.

Diana Lambert
Distance Learning
June 7, 2021

California schools move ahead with fall distance learning plans despite limitations

Parents and education advocacy groups are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend distance learning provisions for the upcoming school year.

Sydney Johnson
School Finance
June 2, 2021

Senate and Assembly cut, then add, billions to Gov. Newsom's budget for K-12

Budget committees' joint plan prioritizes school districts' financial health over more one-time funding. Next step: Talks with Newsom

John Fensterwald
College & Careers
May 27, 2021

Former Gov. Jerry Brown defends Calbright College

Former California Gov. Jerry Brown defends the public online community college he envisioned would take on the for-profit sector.

Ashley A. Smith
Learning Well: Beyond the Pandemic
May 26, 2021

Why summer school in California will prioritize fun and reconnecting students 

California school districts are offering robust summer school programs with an emphasis on fun to help reconnect students to their schools.

Diana Lambert
Commentary
May 21, 2021

Use of Covid-relief funds should be long-term, realistic and student-centered

In spending the windfall of funds available for districts this year, leaders must plan for the long term, avoid quick fixes and resist the temptation to say yes to more than they can actually do well.

Steven Kellner and Laura Schwalm
Math and Science
May 20, 2021

California math curriculum spurs new controversy about accelerated learning

Voluntary guidance for math instruction faces criticism from parents saying it stunts potential for students in advanced math pathways.

Sydney Johnson
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's early education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's higher education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's K-12 budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s revised 2021-22 budget for K-12 education.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
High-needs students
May 19, 2021

Analysis faults districts on lack of spending accountability for Covid funding

With unprecedented billions of dollars, advocacy groups want details on how funding will help students targeted for extra assistance.

John Fensterwald