Education

The 2018-19 Budget: Adult Education Analysis

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February 15, 2018 - In this report, we first provide background on adult education and review the restructuring of adult education that the state embarked on in 2013-14. We then describe the Governor’s two 2018-19 adult education proposals. Next, we assess those proposals and examine various unresolved issues relating to the alignment of adult education policies among community colleges and adult schools. Lastly, we make recommendations relating to the Governor’s proposals and policy alignment.

The 2018-19 Budget: Hastings College of the Law

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February 15, 2018 - In this report, we provide an overview of the Governor’s proposed budget for Hastings College of the Law, describe the school’s proposed spending plan, assess that plan, and offer an associated recommendation.

The 2018-19 Budget: Higher Education Analysis

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February 15, 2018 -

In this report, we analyze the Governor’s higher education budget proposals. We begin by providing an overview of higher education in California. In the next four sections, we analyze the Governor’s budget proposals for the three public higher education segments and the California Student Aid Commission. In each of these sections, we provide relevant background, describe and assess the proposals, and make associated recommendations. The final section of the report consists of a summary of our recommendations.

In addition to this report, we have three other higher education budget briefs that analyze the Governor’s proposals for adult education, Hastings College of the Law, and the California Education Learning Lab.

Overview of State Governance: K-12 Education

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February 14, 2018 - Presented to Senate Committee on Education and Assembly Committee on Education

The 2018-19 Budget: Proposition 98 Education Analysis

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February 7, 2018 - In this report, we analyze the Governor’s overall Proposition 98 budget package as well as his specific spending proposals for K‑12 education and early education.

K-12 Education in Context

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January 26, 2018 - In this post, we answer many questions legislators and others commonly ask about K-12 education in California. We begin by providing information on the main components of California’s public school system. We then review the state’s K-12 accountability system. Lastly, we explain the basics of school finance in California.

Recent Congressional Action on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

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January 23, 2018 - Recent Congressional action appropriates funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through federal fiscal year 2022-23. The federal cost share authorized by Congress for the program is higher than what was assumed in the Governor’s budget. These actions reduce estimated General Fund Medi-Cal costs by about $300 million in 2017-18 and about $600 million in 2018-19. As a result, we anticipate the May Revision will reflect $900 million in lower General Fund expenditures, and an equal amount of resources available for any purpose.

Updated 2/9/18: On Friday, February 9, 2018, Congress appropriated additional funding for CHIP through FFY 2026-27 at states' traditional cost share which, in California, is 35 percent. No changes were made to the previous reauthorization of CHIP funding through FFY 2022-23, discussed in this post.

Updated 2/9/18: Figure 1 updated to include Governor's funding assumptions through 2021‑22.

The 2018-19 Budget: Overview of the Governor’s Proposition 98 Budget Package

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January 18, 2018 - The Governor presented his budget package to the Legislature on January 10, 2018. This web post provides an overview and assessment of the largest component of that package—the Proposition 98 budget.

Evaluating California’s System for Serving Infants and Toddlers With Special Needs

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January 4, 2018 - In 2015‑16, California provided early intervention services to about 41,000 infants and toddlers with special needs. These infants and toddlers either have a disability (such as a visual or hearing impairment) or a significant developmental delay (such as not beginning to speak or walk when expected). California’s early intervention system consists of three programs administered by two types of local agencies—schools and regional centers for persons with developmental disabilities. This report provides the first comprehensive analysis of this system since it was established in 1993. The report has three main sections. We first provide background on California’s early intervention system, then assess this system, and conclude by recommending several ways to improve the system.

An Evaluation of CSU's Cross-Campus Online Education Program

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January 3, 2018 - CSU is required by statute to (1) adopt a systemwide definition of online education, (2) report biennially on certain enrollment and performance data related to online education, and (3) report on the feasibility of developing an online bachelor’s degree completion program for students who started college but never obtained a degree. Chapter 82 of 2016 (AB 2908, Committee on Higher Education) requires our office to assess CSU’s implementation of these requirements and report to the Legislature by January 1, 2018. This report fulfills that statutory requirement.

CCC and UC: An Evaluation of Best Value Procurement Pilot Programs

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December 21, 2017 - Chapter 708 of 2012 (Pavley) created pilot programs authorizing best value (BV) in the procurement of goods and services at the California Community Colleges (CCC) and the University of California (UC). Under the BV pilot programs, CCC and UC can consider noncost factors—such as quality and experience—when selecting vendors, rather than selecting vendors based solely on lowest cost. Chapter 708 required CCC and UC to provide our office with certain information on their use of BV during the pilot period. Based on that information, the legislation further required our office to recommend whether to continue CCC's and UC's BV authority. This report fulfills that requirement.

California Public Higher Education: Funding Supplemental Services for Low-Income and First-Generation Students

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December 20, 2017 - The Supplemental Report of the 2017-18 Budget Act required our office to examine how much existing funding and support is provided to these students and identify options for increasing that funding and support. This report fulfills this requirement.

California Community Colleges: Interim Evaluation of Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program

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December 19, 2017 - Chapter 747 of 2014 (SB 850, Block) authorizes California Community Colleges (CCC) to offer baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degrees on a pilot basis at 15 community college districts. It also requires the Legislative Analyst’s Office to conduct an interim evaluation of the pilot program. This report fulfills that statutory requirement. In this report, we provide background on CCC’s role in California’s higher education system and describe the main components of the statewide pilot program. We then (1) describe and evaluate the selection of the pilot bachelor’s degree programs, (2) provide initial information about students participating in the pilot programs, and (3) discuss the financing of these programs. We conclude by identifying issues for the Legislature to consider as the 15 colleges continue implementing the pilot program.

The 2018-19 Budget: Proposition 98 Outlook

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November 15, 2017 - Proposition 98 (1988) establishes a minimum annual funding requirement for schools and community colleges. In this report, we (1) explain how our estimates of the minimum requirement have changed since the adoption of the June budget plan, (2) identify the new funding available in 2018-19, and (3) highlight a few key trends affecting schools and community colleges over the next four years.

This is part of a collection of material for The 2018-19 Budget: California’s Fiscal Outlook. See a complete list of this year's fiscal outlook material on our fiscal outlook budget page.

Charter School Authorization in California

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October 23, 2017 - Presented to: Senate Education Committee