February 9, 2017 - An analysis of the Governor’s overall 2017-18 Proposition 98 budget package as well as his specific spending proposals for K‑12 education, including a summary of our recommendations.
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.
March 10, 2020 - In this post, we analyze the Governor’s proposals to increase the capacity of school districts to teach computer science. We first provide background on computer science in California schools, then describe the Governor’s proposals, assess the proposals, and offer associated recommendations.
March 18, 2014 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance
February 21, 2007 - Data from several statewide assessments show a significant gap between the academic achievement of English learner (EL) students and their English-speaking peers. We recommend the Legislature fund the evaluation of the EL best practices pilot program established by Chapter 561, Statutes of 2006 (AB 2117, Coto). We also recommend the Legislature fund an evaluation of best practices in preparing teachers of EL students. In addition, we recommend improving the state’s assessment system so EL student progress can be measured and tracked.
February 20, 2009 - The Supplemental Report of the 2007-08 Budget Act directed our office to reexamine the state’s teacher recruitment goals and assess the effectiveness of teacher recruitment programs designed to meet those goals. This report details our findings. Although the state has spent over $1 billion in teacher recruitment activities, virtually no information exists on the effectiveness of these programs. Research on the teacher workforce, however, suggests that improving teacher support and addressing uncompetitive salaries are the most promising strategies for recruiting and retaining teachers. Thus, we recommend education agencies focus their teacher efforts in these two areas.
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.
February 19, 2003 - We recommend that the Legislature enact legislation to allow materials adopted in the interim adoptions required under Chapter 481, Statutes of 1998 (AB 2519, Poochigian), to be recognized as standards-aligned materials for the purposes of eligibility for categorical programs.
May 12, 2010 - Presented to Senate Education Committee
February 21, 2001 - Research shows that extending the school year has limited to no effect on student achievement. We recommend redirecting the proposed $100 million for a longer school year, along with other savings, to a block grant for disadvantaged middle schools and high schools.
March 25, 2025 - This brief is intended to give policymakers a high-level overview of the state’s role in supporting K-12 career technical education programs. We also raise key issues for the Legislature as it considers policy and budget decisions related to career technical education.
February 13, 2025 - This brief examines the estimates of the Proposition 98 guarantee in the Governor’s budget and assesses the overall structure of the Governor’s plan for K-12 funding. It also examines a few of the larger spending proposals and the proposal to delay a $1.6 billion settle-up payment.
Update (2/21/25): This brief has been updated to reflect our office’s estimate of the K-12 COLA (2.26 percent).