Lessons learned from rural counties working to improve STEM instruction

Rural school districts in California have struggled more to effectively support the implementation of math and science standards than their urban and suburban counterparts, but a recent report from WestEd finds rural counties are overcoming many of the unique obstacles they face. The report, “Rural […]

Budget analysis: State should continue prioritizing pension payments amid escalating costs

A new report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office suggests it is vital that California lawmakers provide school districts with more financial relief in next year’s state budget to mitigate declining enrollments and escalating costs as an economic downturn likely looms. Though Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed […]

Students of color remain underrepresented in college prep classes

Despite legislative efforts in recent years to increase access to and participation in advanced placement courses in high schools throughout California, black and Latino students continue to be underrepresented in college credit-bearing classes — even when they attend schools that offer an array of AP […]

Report highlights difficulties in aligning early ed with elementary school

Research shows that preK–3 alignment — coordinating preK–3 standards, curricula, instructional practices, assessments and professional development — can narrow achievement gaps by helping children sustain the gains they made in preschool, but many California districts say they are struggling to support alignment efforts. Findings from […]

Student board members take charge at CSBA’s Annual Education Conference

CSBA has hosted a student board member program for several years, but at nearly 100 student participants, the discussions and variety of student input at the 2019 Annual Education Conference and Trade Show was perhaps the most robust to date. During one breakout session on […]

School spending survey highlights need for increased funding across U.S.

Results of a new nationwide survey of district officials show an overwhelming call for additional education funding, as well as a far-reaching perception that neither the general public nor elected officials understand the need for more school spending. Of more than 700 school and district […]

Study finds California’s rural students falling behind in college readiness

Close to 9.3 million students were enrolled in rural schools last year — nearly one in five public school students in the U.S. — and too few of those students have the educational resources that they need to succeed, according to a recent report by […]

Leaders call for increased funding and K-14 partnerships to promote equity in schools

A recent Public Policy Institute of California event brought together two of the state’s education heavyweights, State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond and California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley, for a discussion on improving opportunities and enhancing outcomes for all students, and how […]