Improving the Education of California's Children

on 25 April 2013. Education

school-bus kid150 For the first time in many years, the budget proposed for the 2013–14 fiscal year does not include spending cuts to the state’s K–12 public schools. But because an achievement gap persists between disadvantaged students and others, policymakers, educators, and researchers continue to discuss whether and how the state should direct extra funding to the students most in need.

Governor Brown has again called for a key finance reform that was unsuccessful last year. This reform is twofold: it will give local public school districts greater flexibility over how to spend state funds by doing away with most categorical programs and it will direct most of the new state revenues to districts with more low-income and English Learner students. The governor will release his revised budget proposal in May and lawmakers must pass a budget in June.

Californians and Education, a recent statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of CA (PPIC), clearly shows that the public not only supports key elements of the Governor’s School Funding Proposal but that most also favor extra funds for needier students and more funding flexibility for districts.

Diocese Works to Reduce Dropout Rates in San Bernardino

on 06 February 2013. Education

learn-150 A creative approach to reducing high school dropout rates and improving the chance of college success is under way in the Diocese of San Bernardino. It differs from other programs by reaching out earlier and deeper into the lives of families to help children succeed.

The Diocesan Education Initiative (DEI) seeks to help high school students be successful by working with their families earlier in children’s lives.

The DEI focuses on the essential role parents and family play in the future educational success of students. As a vehicle it offers a parenting course throughout the geographically huge diocese, using distance learning technology.

The course, “The 12 Powers of Family Business,” seeks to help families stabilize home life and provide a better environment for their students, which in turn can lead to greater success at school.

Education Advocates Reexamine School Assessment Practices in the State

on 31 January 2013. Education

three-students150 In a new book, a University of California professor argues that targeting the most vulnerable students as far back as the early elementary grades is the key to reducing dropout rates. And he levels sharp criticism at the conventional definition of success as “readiness for college.”

Dropping Out, by Russell Rumberger at UC Santa Barbara, argues that high schools must offer all students what they need to succeed in the workplace and independent adult life.

In his pursuit for more accountability in our state’s public K-12 educational system, Rumberger stresses that: “A more flexible and practical definition of achievement—one in which a high school education does not simply qualify you for more school—can make school ‘make sense’ to young people. And maybe keep them there.”

Private School Enrollment Rises, Four in Five Attend Religious Schools

on 23 August 2012. Education

catholicschoolgirl150 From the California Association of Private Schools. (CAPSO) Website. Used with permission.

The 2010-2011 school year saw increases in both the number of private schools located in the state of California, and the number of students who attend them, according to data provided by the California Department of Education and compiled by the California Association of Private Schools. (CAPSO)

In the Golden State, one out of every four schools offering instruction in any of grades K-12 is a private school. In 2010-2011, the total number of private schools rose to 3,358, and total private school enrollment climbed to 515,143. On a year-to-year basis the number of private schools increased 1.7 percent, and total enrollment grew by one-half-of-one-percent. While modest, the bump in enrollment comes on the heels of a 4.3 percent decline the preceding year.

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