Grantee Resources

Topic: School Finance

Research/Report

Unlocking Learning II: Math as a Lever for English Learner Equity

Education Trust, Inc.

A report about using math as a level for English learner opportunities in California, based on an in-depth analysis of what has worked well in high-performing schools, offering specific practice and policy recommendations at the school, district, and state level.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Funding for LCFF Community Engagement Initiative: A Win for Grassroots Groups Across the State

Californians for Justice

A blog post reflecting on the signing of the 2018-2019 California state budget, which included $28.3 million to enhance community engagement in the Local Control Funding Formula, highlighting the advocacy efforts of the Defend and Mend Coalition and emphasizing the importance of partnerships between communities and legislators for equitable education implementation.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

African-American Students Would Get Extra Aid Under California’s K-12 Funding Formula In Proposal Before Legislature

Children Now

An article about California bill AB 2635, which proposed additional funding for California districts with African-American students to address the persistent low academic achievement of these students and correct the failure of the existing Local Control Funding Formula in addressing their needs.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Districts Must Do More To Reduce Low-Income Schools’ Share Of Inexperienced, Ineffective Teachers Under New Federal Law

Children Now

An article about California's efforts to address disparities in student achievement and the distribution of experienced and effective teachers in schools, as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Opinion: California Still Lacks School-Spending Transparency

Children Now

An op-ed highlighting the lack of transparency in California's education funding system, particularly concerning money intended to support vulnerable student groups. Calls for a clear and accessible system to track and report how funds are spent to ensure they benefit those who need it most.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

California’s School Plan Fails To Win Feds’ Approval

Children Now

An article discussing the U.S. Department of Education's criticisms of California's plan to improve low-performing schools and use federal education aid, which could lead to negotiations over the plan's implementation and flexibility under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Disappointing But Not Surprising — California’s ESSA Plan Gets Some of The Harshest Feedback Yet From Washington

Children Now

An article describing the criticism from the federal Department of Education regarding California's plan to improve schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and highlighting the concerns of parents and advocates about the lack of details and accountability in the plan.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Gov. Brown Proposes Ambitious Education Agenda In His Final State Budget

Children Now

A discussion of California Governor Jerry Brown's proposed education spending in his 2018-19 budget, which included funding to address shortages in special education teachers, connecting career pathways programs with community colleges, and allocating more resources to the state's school accountability system.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

When It Comes To Education Policy, It’s ‘The California Way’ vs. Betsy Devos

Children Now

An article highlighting California's revised plan to satisfy the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was met with criticism from the federal Department of Education, leading to a potential standoff between the state and federal government over education policies and accountability.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

24 Ideas For Improving The Local Control Funding Formula

Children Now

A collection of recommendations from 24 school leaders, student advocates, legislators, and others for the most important improvements needed to make California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) for effective, equitable, and truer to its promise.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Jerry Brown’s Dilemma: Fix School Funding Formula Now Or Watch Others Do It Later

Children Now

An article exploring potential improvements to California's Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) to address criticisms related to fiscal transparency, low funding for basic expenses, and the burden of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

Stagnant California Test Scores Pose Problem; State Board May Rejigger How To Rate Districts

Children Now

An article describing the challenge faced by the California State Board of Education as stagnant test results could require hundreds of school districts to seek county assistance due to their failure to raise English language arts and math scores, prompting consideration of changes to the criteria for rating schools and districts to reduce the number of poorly performing districts.

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Story / Case Study / Commentary

New Poll: Safe And Positive School Environment More Important Than Higher Test Scores

Children Now

An article discussing the findings of a poll which showed that California voters prioritize creating a safe and positive school environment over higher scores on standardized tests when evaluating school performance, and express concerns about bullying, violence, and harassment on school campuses.

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