Featured Items
Thumbnail - California's Education System: A 2019 Guide

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.

Handout

The 2014-15 Budget: CCC

April 2, 2014 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Presentation

Higher Education Budget and Policy Update

April 2, 2014 - Presented to CCC All Financial Aid Directors' Meeting

Report

The 2014-15 Budget: The Commission on Teacher Credentialing

March 28, 2014 - In this report, we analyze the Governor's two main 2014-15 budget proposals for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The Governor proposes to allow CTC to transfer revenue from its test fee account to its primary budget account to help cover cash shortfalls midyear. The Governor also proposes to expand CTC's fee authority by allowing it to begin charging fees for the regular activities it undertakes in accrediting existing teacher preparation programs. Although the Governor's proposal to allow 60-day fund transfers among accounts would provide some cash relief, we recommend the Legislature instead consolidate CTC's revenues into a single, combined account. We also recommend the Legislature work with the administration and CTC to refine budget documents such that fee revenues can be more easily linked with associated expenditures. Additionally, we recommend the Legislature adopt the Governor's proposal to expand accreditation fees, as it is consistent with prior state actions that aim to keep CTC self-supporting. We are concerned, however, that the Governor's proposal does not make any changes to CTC's current costly, labor-intensive accreditation process. We recommend the Legislature require CTC to streamline its process to ensure (1) teacher preparation program standards are clear, concise, and aligned to state academic content standards; (2) accreditation incorporates data on program outcomes; and (3) accreditation is self-supporting.

Handout

Private Colleges and Universities in California

March 28, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Select Committee on Higher Education in San Diego County

Report

The 2014-15 Budget: An Analysis of Local Libraries' Internet Speeds

March 27, 2014 - In this report, we assess the Governor's proposal to provide state funds for the California State Library to contract with the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) in an effort to increase Internet speeds at local libraries. We find that the Governor’s plan is unlikely to increase speeds at many libraries and lacks adequate cost information. We recommend the Legislature reject the Governor’s proposal and instead focus on improving existing state programs designed to increase Internet speeds for libraries as well as other entities.

Handout

Higher Education Performance Metrics

March 26, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Report

The Implementation of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act

March 21, 2014 - As required by Chapter 620, Statutes of 2012 (Assembly Bill 970, Fong), we reviewed the University of California’s and California State University’s compliance with certain student fee and financial aid provisions. Enclosed is our report. In the report, we first provide background on fee policies in the state and then describe the main Chapter 620 requirements. We next review the segments’ responses to the requirements in Chapter 620, provide our assessment of their compliance, and offer a few related recommendations for the Legislature’s consideration.

Handout

Governor’s 2014-15 Assessment Proposals

March 20, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Handout

Overview of California's Academic Content Standards and Assessments

March 18, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Handout

An Overview of LCFF and Agricultural Education Grants

March 18, 2014 - Presented to Senate Committee on Agriculture

Handout

Financial Aid Overview

March 13, 2014 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education

Handout

Overview of California's Child Care and Development System

March 11, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health and Human Services and Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Handout

Overview of New Funding and Accountability System (S)

March 6, 2014 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Education

Handout

Financial Aid Overview-(A) Sub. 2

March 5, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance

Handout

Review of School Transportation in California

March 4, 2014 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance