Author: Admin

Modest progress on School Dashboard continues trend of sluggish growth

The California Department of Education (CDE) unveiled the latest edition of the California School Dashboard on Nov. 21, touting “continued progress in academic achievement and graduation rates” and a “decline in chronic absenteeism.” While some growth was evident, a look at the underlying data reveals a more complicated picture of student performance — one that demands greater scrutiny of the status quo, increased investment in public schools, and wider replication of local strategies that have accelerated student achievement and well-being.

LAO releases much-anticipated state budget revenue projections for 2025–26

Slightly higher state revenues driven by continued stock market growth means the LAO’s assessment offers a brighter picture than last year’s dismal forecast, but storm clouds remain on the horizon due to weakness in the overall state economy, the unpredictability of future tax revenues, and fiscal pressures that are problematic for local educational agencies.

Assessing 2023–24 CAASPP scores and achievement gaps

The California Department of Education recently released the results of the 2023–24 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This is the fourth release since the state lifted testing requirements during the pandemic. CDE celebrated these results because some student groups saw positive progress that outpaced statewide averages in math and English language arts. There was notable improvement in some areas, particularly for some groups of historically disadvantaged students in certain assessments. However, the statewide improvement was exceptionally modest, and achievement gaps across student groups remain consistent.

State assessment results show little progress, raising concern for big picture

The 2023–24 scores for statewide English language arts (ELA), math and science assessments published by the California Department of Education (CDE) on Oct. 10 show little improvement or decline in most student groups compared to the previous year. Read a statement from CSBA CEO & […]

Legislative session recap: Governor’s actions on critical bills align with CSBA’s stances

As the clock struck midnight on Sept. 30, it signaled the traditional end of the two-year 2023–24 legislative session. With nearly 1,000 bills reaching his desk at the end of the session, which concluded Aug. 31, Gov. Gavin Newsom had 30 days to sign or […]

CSBA member advocacy makes the difference

In a clear demonstration of how CSBA advocacy can influence important legislative matters, Gov. Gavin Newsom took action on two CSBA priority bills on Sept. 22. With less than 10 days left to sign or veto bills on his desk, the Governor vetoed Assembly Bill 2088 (McCarty, D-Sacramento) and signed into law CSBA co-sponsored legislation Senate Bill 1315 (Archuleta, D-Pico Rivera).

Legislature wraps up the two-year 2023–24 legislative session

Ending at midnight on Aug. 31, the state Legislature adjourned the 2023–24 session. Although it adjourned, the Legislature’s final day will formally be Nov. 30, when the current two-year session formally ends. Although the Legislature’s regular business is done, it its policy work will continue. […]