The average school district in California gets about 30% of its funding from programs targeted to particular programs, such as Student Assessment, and to students with special needs, such as Special Education.

There are currently about 20 state programs whose regulations have been left intact. However, in 2008–09, leaders in Sacramento reduced funding for about 40 state categorical programs and made them discretionary through 2012–13. (The flexibility was subsequently extended to 2014–15 by Senate Bill 70, Chapter 7/Statutes of 2011.) This means that the funds may be spent for any educational purpose during that time. The flexibility was granted to help districts manage their budgets in a time of revenue downturns.

Download this PDF to view a list of categorical programs whose regulations are intact and those that have been reduced and made flexible through 2014–15.