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California's Education System:
A 2019 Guide

Staff
Jackie Barocio
(916) 319-8333
Child Care, Expanded Learning, School Facilities, and Teachers
Sara Cortez
(916) 319-8348
Special Education, Preschool, and Child Nutrition
Kenneth Kapphahn
(916) 319-8339
Proposition 98, School District Budgets, School Transportation
Lisa Qing
(916) 319-8306
California State University, Student Financial Aid
Paul Steenhausen
(916) 319-8303
California Community Colleges
Ian Klein
(916) 319-8336
University of California; College of the Law, San Francisco; California State Library
Michael Alferes
(916) 319-8338
Local Control Funding Formula, Charter Schools, Alternative Schools, High School Career Technical Education
Edgar Cabral
(916) 319-8343
Deputy Legislative Analyst: K-12 Education
Jennifer Pacella
(916) 319-8332
Deputy Legislative Analyst: Higher Education

Publications

Education

To browse all LAO publications, visit our Publications page.

Report

Governor’s Higher Education Budget Solutions

February 20, 2008 - The Governor’s budget proposal for higher education includes large, unallocated reductions to the universities and the elimination of a key financial aid program. Taken together, these proposals could have a significant effect on college access and affordability.

Report

K-12 COLA Index

February 20, 2008 - The current index used to calculate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for K-12 programs is not a particularly good indicator of increases in school costs. The Governor proposes to switch to a new index. Instead, we recommend the Legislature modify the current K-12 COLA index to focus on projected compensation cost increases.

Report

K-12 Categorical Reform

February 20, 2008 - We recommend the Legislature consolidate 43 K-12 categorical programs (totaling $42 billion) into a base grant and three supplemental block grants. Categorical reform of this magnitude would offer districts multiple benefits--including a simplified, streamlined, more transparent funding system; greater ability to focus on student success rather than program compliance; and, perhaps most relevant in tight fiscal years, greater latitude to use available funds to address critical local needs.

Report

Proposition 98 Priorities

February 20, 2008 - We offer an alternative to the Governor’s Proposition 98 budget proposal. Under the alternative, K-12 schools and community colleges would receive roughly the same amount of ongoing program support in 2008-09 as in the current year ($57.7 billion). As part of the alternative, we recommend funding certain core costs while obtaining savings from programs that are duplicative, poorly structured, or technically overbudgeted.

Handout

Special Session Guide to Building the Current-Year Proposition 98 Budget

January 24, 2008 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee

Handout

Overview of the Governor’s 2008‑09 Budget Proposal for the California Community Colleges

January 23, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Handout

Special Session Guide to Building the Proposition 98 Budget

January 22, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 On Education Finance

Report

Redefining Student Data Access Policy

January 17, 2008 - Existing state and federal laws will limit the ability of California to use the state’s new longitudinal student data system once it is completed in 2010. To ensure the full benefits of the new system can be achieved, we recommend the state adopt a new data access policy, expanding the capacity of instructors and policy makers to use student data to improve instruction while preserving student privacy protections.

Handout

Overview of Governor’s Proposition 98 Budget Proposal

January 16, 2008 - Presented to Legislative staff and education community.

Handout

Overview of Proposition 1D: K-12 School Facilites

December 13, 2007 - Presented to: Assembly Education Committee

Handout

K-12 School Facilities: Issues for Legislative Consideration

December 13, 2007 - Presented to: Assembly Education Committee

Handout

California’s Fiscal Outlook: Proposition 98 Briefing

November 15, 2007 - Presented to Legislative staff and education community.

Handout

California's Higher Education Transfer Function

November 14, 2007 - Presented to the Select Committee on College and University Admissions and Outreach.

Handout

2007-08 State Budget Update

October 15, 2007 - 2007-08 state budget update presented to Los Angeles County Office of Education, October 4, 2007.

Presentation

Teacher Reform: Rethinking Teacher Accreditation, Credentialing, and Tenure Policies

August 1, 2007 - Presented to the EdVoice symposium in Squaw Valley.