Statewide college and career preparation is promising but will need sustained support

The Golden State Pathways Program (GSPP) was a $500 million investment established by Assembly Bill 181 after California set a 70-percent postsecondary attainment goal in the 2022–23 State Budget. Program funds are provided to support expanded pathways and smoother transitions into high-wage, high-skill and high-growth […]

Analysis of School Dashboard points to a need for state-level accountability

The California Department of Education released the latest edition of the California School Dashboard on Nov. 13, touting a “continued increase in academic achievement and graduation rates” and a “reduction 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 a commitment to reducing achievement gaps by accelerating achievement, particularly for the state’s most vulnerable students.  

School Boards in Action: 5 Questions with Larissa Scors Anderson, Bonsall USD Board President 

What inspired you to become a school board member? My husband and I moved to semi-rural Bonsall in 2009 to put down roots for our own children; subsequent leadership within the PTA and the Bonsall Education Foundation highlighted the power of collaboration. I served on […]

Report sheds light on how state and local policymakers can better support Native American students

Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, serves as a reminder to local educational agencies to examine whether or not current policies, curriculum and more are contributing to ensuring schools are genuinely recognizing, respecting and nurturing Native American students. To support such efforts, the ACLU […]

Superintendent surveys show education leaders are younger and less stressed

A report released by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, found people are rising to the superintendency role at earlier ages compared to previous years. Among almost 2,100 superintendents in 49 states, just 10 percent were aged 60 or older during the 2024–25 school year, down […]

Final State Board meeting of 2025 addresses instructional materials, accountability, CTE and more

The California State Board of Education’s (SBE) final meeting of 2025 on Nov. 5-6 included action taken on several items related to instructional materials and career technical education (CTE), as well as deep discussion on assessment and accountability items, community schools and student leader recommendations. […]

Survey finds transportation challenges negatively impact schools, students and families

Most school administrators continue to face transportation challenges in their local educational agencies, according to a new report from HopSkipDrive, a company that provides supplemental school transportation services, and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Using surveys from 510 school administrators and almost 840 […]

Survey on school attendance highlights common challenges and potential solutions

Chronic absenteeism in the United States remains about 75 percent higher, on average, than pre-pandemic levels, negatively impacting everything from student achievement to funding for classrooms. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for school districts, and every leadership team needs to engage their students, staff, parents, and […]