Education

A Review of the CalSTRS Funding Plan: State’s Future Responsibility for CalSTRS Uncertain

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February 2, 2016 - This post is the fifth in a series looking at the implementation of the CalSTRS funding plan. In this post, we describe how the state’s share of CalSTRS’ unfunded liabilities will be more sensitive to investment gains and losses than the district share.

A Review of the CalSTRS Funding Plan: Treatment of Teacher Contributions Also Increase District Unfunded Liabilities

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February 2, 2016 - This post is the fourth in a series looking at the implementation of the CalSTRS funding plan. Our third post explained how theoretical asset gains have increased the school and community college district share of CalSTRS’ unfunded liabilities. In this post, we continue this discussion by describing how CalSTRS’ treatment of teacher contributions has also increased the district share.

A Review of the CalSTRS Funding Plan: Theoretical Investment Gains Have Shifted Unfunded Liabilities to Districts

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February 2, 2016 - This post is the third in a series looking at the implementation of the CalSTRS funding plan. In this post, we describe how the abstract calculation upon which the funding plan is based has increased the district share of CalSTRS’ unfunded liabilities while decreasing the state share.

A Review of the CalSTRS Funding Plan: CalSTRS Funding Plan Relies on Abstract Calculation

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February 2, 2016 - This post is the second of a series looking at the implementation of the CalSTRS funding plan. In this post, we critique the complex calculation central to the funding plan.

A Review of the CalSTRS Funding Plan: Background

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February 2, 2016 - This post is the first of a series looking at the implementation of the CalSTRS funding plan. In this post, we provide key background information on pensions and CalSTRS.

Evaluation of the School District of Choice Program

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January 27, 2016 - The District of Choice program is one of several statutory options allowing a K-12 student to transfer from one school district to another school district. The program will sunset on July 1, 2017, unless the Legislature decides to reauthorize it. This report, prepared at the request of the Legislature, assesses the program and offers our recommendations regarding reauthorization.

For the follow-up to this evaluation, published in February 2021, please click here.

Proposition 39 (2012)

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January 20, 2016 - Presented to: Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications.

California’s Teacher Workforce in Context

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January 20, 2016 - Presented to: Senate Education Committee

January EdBudget Tables (2016)

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January 14, 2016 - At key times during the state’s budget cycle, we post tables containing important information about the education parts of the budget. This January posting reflects the 2016-17 Governor’s Budget proposals. The tables cover Proposition 98, K-12 education, child care and preschool, higher education, and student financial aid.

What Is the Adult Education Block Grant?

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January 6, 2016 - What Is the Adult Education Block Grant? This is one of a series of issue briefs examining important questions about education funding in California. For more, see our EdBasics page.

California’s Fiscal Outlook Presentation

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December 3, 2015 - Presented to California School Boards Association.

California's Fiscal Outlook

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November 19, 2015 - Presented to: California Association of School Business Officials

What Are California’s Major School Readiness Programs?

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November 1, 2015 - What Are California’s Major School Readiness Programs? This is one of a series of issue briefs examining important questions about education funding in California.

Final EdBudget Tables (2015)

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October 19, 2015 - At key times during the state’s budget cycle, we post tables containing important information about the education parts of the budget. Specifically, we post tables in January, May, and October. The January tables generally reflect the Governor’s Budget proposal, the May tables reflect the Governor’s May Revision, and the October tables reflect the final enacted budget. The tables currently highlighted are for the state’s enacted 2015-16 budget. The tables cover all areas of education, with tables on K-12 education, adult and workforce education, community colleges, universities, financial aid, child care and preschool.

Review of Recent Changes to The Cal Grant C Program

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June 22, 2015 - To ensure recent legislative changes are having the intended effects on the Cal Grant C program, the Legislature requested that our office prepare a report on the implementation of the new rules and their impacts on Cal Grant C recipients. While data suggest the Cal Grant C program may contribute to better jobs for those recipients who ultimately receive a certificate or degree, these successes are offset by lesser outcomes among the high proportion of students who do not complete their courses of study.