Education

Supreme Court has good news for CTA, CFT

A recent U.S. Supreme Court hearing on allegations of racial discrimination in Texas public housing programs may have major implications for Vergara vs. California, the landmark education lawsuit that’s now under appeal after a June 2014 trial-court ruling that created

CA could suspend high-school exit exam

John Seiler February 9, 2015

State Sen. Carol Liu, D-Pasadena, has introduced Senate Bill 172, which “would remove the high school exit examination as a condition of receiving a diploma of graduation or a condition of graduation from high school for each pupil completing grade 12”

Physical education settlement gives slacking CA schools a workout

James Poulos February 6, 2015

Faced with an embarrassing lawsuit over physical education requirements, California schools have opted to settle with the Golden State parent spearheading the case. Marc Babin, who created an organization called Cal200 to further his aims, sued California in 2013 to enforce

School bond problems go far beyond LAUSD purchase of iPads

Chris Reed February 3, 2015

Gov. Jerry Brown’s skepticism about state assistance for local school districts’ construction projects appears to be primarily based on an intense disdain for adding more billions to what he likes to call the state’s “wall of debt.” But a counter

Powerball grabs just $1 for each kid

John Seiler February 3, 2015

Back when the California Lottery was introduced in 1985, it was advertised as a way to bring a lot more funding to schools, almost effortlessly. No tax increases or budget manipulations were needed. In that, it’s only been partly successful.

CA tests 4-year community college plan

James Poulos January 26, 2015

On the heels of a high-profile presidential push for free community college, California has committed to an expansion program for the typically two-year schools. In what could be a model for advocates who support President Obama’s agenda for free community college

School Choice Week kicks off today

John Seiler January 25, 2015

Today begins National School Choice Week, designed to heighten awareness for innovations in education. According to SchoolChoiceWeek.com: “Independently planned by a diverse and growing coalition of individuals, schools, and organizations, National School Choice Week features thousands of unique events and

LAO report: Dozens of school districts not honoring intent of state law

Chris Reed January 25, 2015

The state Legislative Analyst’s Office released a report last week on how 50 California school districts were dealing with the requirements of the 2013 Local Control Funding Formula law. That’s Gov. Jerry Brown’s ballyhooed reform measure that is meant to

Leg Analyst: School reserves law not working

John Seiler January 23, 2015

Whether finances are personal, business or government, having a reserve makes sense. You never know when an emergency might crop up and you’ll need the funds. Indeed, last November voters approved Proposition 2, which increased the state’s “rainy day” fund

UC president appears to cave in fight with Gov. Brown

Chris Reed January 22, 2015

Three months ago, University of California President Janet Napolitano triggered a fight with Gov. Jerry Brown and leaders of the Legislature when she persuaded the UC regents to commit to a five-year plan in which tuition was raised by 5