Fact Sheet California’s Higher Education System By Kevin Cook Jan 10, 2024 The nation’s largest public system of higher learning is in California. Nearly 80% of state students attend a public institution, with over half enrolling in community college—making transfer into a four-year college a key path to a bachelor’s degree. Funds to support higher education and financial aid account for about 7% of the state’s budget.
Report California School Finance Revenue Manual By Jon Sonstelie, Heather Rose, Margaret Weston Jun 8, 2009 The funding system for California’s public schools is overly complex—even many experts lack information about how revenue is distributed. This comprehensive manual provides some fundamental and much needed facts, describing each revenue source and providing basic statistics on how that source distributes funds. This information, especially when used in conjunction with the PPIC School Finance Model, should help to promote a more open and informed discussion of school finance policy in the state.
blog post Kindergarten Enrollment Declines Mask Differences by Age By Julien Lafortune, Emmanuel Prunty May 18, 2023 Kindergarten enrollment at California’s public schools fell dramatically in 2020–21. Examining the trends for specific kindergarten ages—as well as the impact of transitional kindergarten (TK)—is key to understanding the broader decline in public school enrollment.
Report Accountability for California’s Alternative Schools By Paul Warren May 31, 2016 About 12 percent of all California high school seniors attend an alternative school, but far fewer than half graduate. To improve outcomes and promote the success of at-risk students, the state needs a new approach to measuring alternative school performance.
Report Funding California Schools: The Revenue Limit System By Margaret Weston Mar 1, 2010 California’s 978 school districts receive the majority of their funding through a formula known as "revenue limits.” While it is commonly believed that this funding is equitably distributed across districts, this is not the case. In 2005-2006, this funding differed across districts by as much as $3,871 per student. This report examines the components of the formula determining revenue limits, discusses the variations in funding, and considers potential reforms in school finance. This report was supported with funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Explainer What’s Behind California’s Recent Population Decline—and Why It Matters By Hans Johnson, Eric McGhee, Carolyn Subramaniam, Vicki Hsieh Oct 2, 2023 California’s unprecedented population loss during the pandemic raises questions about what a shrinking or slowly growing population means for the state’s future.
Report California School Districts and the Emergency Connectivity Fund By Joseph Hayes, Niu Gao Jun 18, 2024 How well did federal pandemic funds improve digital access for historically underserved K–12 students and their families? A new report details how districts worked to close California’s digital divide in education, with suggestions for building momentum now that a key program has ended.
Report Dual Enrollment in California By Olga Rodriguez, Niu Gao Oct 18, 2021 Dual enrollment provides opportunities for high school students to take college courses and earn college credit. The pandemic has fueled a nationwide surge in participation, and equity-centered legislation has raised dual enrollment’s profile in California. As dual enrollment expands, state leaders can take steps to promote equitable access and outcomes.
blog post Video: Understanding the Effects of School Funding By Stephanie Barton Jun 3, 2022 Flush with state and federal dollars for K–12 schools, California has surpassed the national average in school spending. Does more funding lead to better student outcomes?
