In the more than 40 years since voters approved Proposition 13 in response to rising property taxes, the 1978 initiative has contributed to inadequate funding for public schools, as well as a widening wealth gap and acute housing shortage, according to a new report. “Unjust […]
Author: Alisha Kirby
Significant inroads made in addressing the digital divide, but progress is slowing
Gaps remain in broadband access among Californians, but the latest data show local, state and federal efforts to bridge the digital divide have made significant progress since the onset of the pandemic — especially among students. Two new fact sheets from the Public Policy Institute […]
Schools must consider student identities in addressing mental health challenges
With local educational agencies working to address youth mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, it is important that officials understand the role students’ identities play in their school experiences and mental well-being. During a June 9 panel discussion hosted by the California Department of […]
County offices of education are succeeding in expanding access to environmental learning
As the impacts of climate change continue to impact school communities, the physical health of children and their quality of life, it is critical that county offices of education take steps to promote education in environmental literacy, resiliency and sustainability, according to a report from […]
Addressing short- and long-term student mental health needs
What impact has two years of living through a pandemic had on the mental health of our youth? And what can be done to help mitigate the effects? Answering these two questions was central to a June 1 roundtable discussion hosted by the Public Policy […]
School Boards in Action: 5 Questions with Hope Bjerke
Hope Bjerke, board member, Junction Elementary School District What did your district do to foster learning recovery and educational advancements during the 2021–22 school year? What do you have planned for the 2022–23 school year to continue this progress? During June 2021, we invited our […]
School funding report cites pension costs, declining enrollment and more as pressing challenges
Several years of sustained spending increases improved student outcomes, but cost pressures in schools affect the efficiency of funding, according to new research from the Public Policy Institute of California. “Understanding the Effects of School Funding” highlights how test scores, graduation rates, college attendance and […]
Federal hearing focuses on teacher shortage solutions
Teacher shortages are making it increasingly difficult for schools to address the academic needs of students, which have only become deeper as educators work to help children overcome preexisting gaps that were exacerbated by extended pandemic-driven campus closures. Recognizing how widespread the issue is, the […]
Rural schools are banding together to tackle chronic absenteeism
Attendance is critical to student success, yet it can be difficult for individual schools to ensure children are in their seats, needs met and ready to learn on a daily basis, especially in highly rural areas — which is why several districts in Shasta County, […]
State Board Report: Community schools grants approved
The California State Board of Education convened May 18 for its first in-person session in two years to discuss items on community schools grant allocations, physical education flexibilities and more. Gov. Gavin Newsom included in the May Budget Revision an additional $1.5 billion in one-time […]