About EdSource

EdSource is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to clarify complex education issues and to promote thoughtful policy decisions about public school improvement. Over nearly three decades we have developed a solid reputation as a credible and respected source of K–12 education information, research, analysis, and data. The expertise of EdSource’s small staff of policy analysts, researchers, writers, and communication and outreach specialists is strengthened by a top-notch, diverse, statewide board of 18 directors. EdSource was originally established in 1977 by three well-known and respected community service organizations: the California Parent Teacher Association, the League of Women Voters of California, and the American Association of University Women, California chapter. Initially, the agency was called the California Coalition for Fair School Finance, since the goal was to establish a neutral, balanced, reliable source of information to explain California’s controversial court decision on school funding known as Serrano v. Priest. The high-profile decision mandated funding equity among all the state’s school districts. Since that time, EdSource has kept a unique, core competency for studying and reporting on California school finance, while also broadening the education policy and school reform topics it researches. It has also widened its audiences to include policymakers, researchers, K–12 and college educators, education media, and parent and community leaders. In May, 2007, EdSource turned 30 and held a special party that included a roundtable discussion featuring the current Superintendent of Instruction and two former SPIs, together on film for the first time. To find out more about the evening and see photos of the event and videos of the panel discussion, click here.

AWARD FOR SIMILAR STUDENTS RESEARCH The executive committee of the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association has selected EdSource to receive their annual E. Robert Stephens Professional Publication award! The award is for the Similar Students, Different Results study and report, including the extended analysis done of that data set in 2006-07 on California's English learner student outcomes. The criteria for the award includes the scholarly nature of the work and the impact of the research and publication on California's educational service agencies. On behalf of the great research team that collaborated with us on this large-scale multiyear study, EdSource is pleased and honored to be recognized by this award.

Our Work

In addition to EdSource Online, EdSource’s small staff offers the following programs and services:

• A wide range of publications, including an average of eight original full-length reports each year on California’s most important public education policy issues and events, a number of parent guides, as well as a series of 1- to 2-page fact sheets and issue briefs.
• An annual Information Service subscription to those publications, with various levels of service.
• Email alerts about new publications, upcoming events, or important information.
• A free triannual newsletter and publication catalog for anyone who wants to be on the general mailing list.
• An annual forum, open to the public and held each spring in both Northern and Southern California on current education policy and reform issues.
• The Education Data Partnership web site,www.ed-data.k12.ca.us
• Periodic presentations at statewide meetings.
• Serving as a prime or subcontractor with other impartial research and policy firms to study and report -- consistent with our mission -- on important California education issues.

EdSource does not advocate or lobby. We do selectively participate in joint ventures with other credible policy, research, government, or community organizations and agencies. We also selectively serve as a research or communications consultant for similar agencies.

Trish Williams (twilliams@edsource.org) is the Executive Director of EdSource.

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