This section includes information about recent ideas and efforts to reform California's complex education system.

California's dire budget situation does not necessarily prevent state leaders and education advocates from pushing for reforms that would better support local schools' efforts to improve student achievement. Even without new funding, policymakers can address issues regarding the systems by which schools are funded and governed; the abilities and accountability of educators; and ways to improve the data available for evaluating what reforms are most effective. And after multiple years of cuts, advocates have called on the courts to force such action, in part citing previous research and task force recommendations.