California researchers examine potential alternatives to state education funding

While the establishment of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) in 2013 has led to improved academic achievement in high-need districts, continued disparities in student outcomes and other challenges with the formula have persisted. As a result, discussions about modifying various aspects of the LCFF have increased, according to a recent report from the Public Policy Institute of California that examines potential alternatives.

New research provides insight into how LEAs can reduce “summer melt”

Timely, personalized communication alongside support with financial aid and complex enrollment tasks, trusted relationships and summer advising can meaningfully increase college enrollment and persistence, particularly for low-income and first-generation students, according to a new report.

2025 Annual Education Conference and Trade Show finds success in Sacramento 

Thousands of education leaders joined CSBA in Sacramento Dec. 3-5 for the 2025 Annual Education Conference and Trade Show (AEC), confirming their commitment to professional development and passion for championing students’ academic and social-emotional well-being.

State Board kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into accountability measures and improving equity

The California State Board of Education kicked off 2026 with a Jan. 14 meeting that included a review of the 2025 California School Dashboard and 2024–25 Data Release, approval of the 2026 Accountability Workplan and a study session on the College/Career Indicator.

Addressing special ed teacher shortages requires tailored solutions

Nearly all states and about half of school districts reported special education teacher shortages in 2023–24, but turnover patterns vary, meaning state and district leaders need tailored policy responses that address local conditions rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, according to a recent study from the Brookings Institution.

Risk assessment finds AI chatbots aren’t good for addressing teens’ mental health

Common Sense Media’s recent risk assessment of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots for supporting teens’ mental health concluded that overall, the tools pose an “unacceptable” risk as the likelihood of a harmful event occurring is too likely and the consequence of any harm caused is too high.

How one small, high-need district is using counselors to help turn things around

Livingston Union School District (LUSD), a small, high-need district in California’s Central Valley, invested in a collaborative, equity-driven counseling model that has helped to boost student outcomes across several crucial metrics, according to a case study from the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools. Through sustained funding, strong leadership and clearly defined counselor roles, researchers found that the district can serve as a model for how comprehensive, equity-centered school counseling can drive meaningful outcomes for diverse student populations.