  NAEP and the California Standards Tests: A Case of Apples and Oranges (May 2008)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and California Standards Tests (CSTs) appear to offer conflicting reports on the academic performance of California’s students. This 12-page report explores some of the factors that explain why the two tests yield different but valuable portraits of student achievement. READ MORE
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2008 Resource Cards on California Schools (April 2008)
This convenient spiral-bound volume contains the latest data on school finance as well as information on students, teachers, and California's accountability system. (If you experience problems when ordering online, please contact our office directly at 650/917-9481.) READ MORE
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English Learners in California: What the Numbers Say (March 2008)
One in every four public school students in California is designated as an English learner (EL). And nearly one out of every two students lives in a home where the most frequently spoken language is not English. Learn more about the state’s EL population in this report. Free download. READ MORE
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Math and Science Teachers: Recruiting and Retaining California’s Workforce (January 2008)
This four-page policy brief looks at the challenges involved in recruiting and retaining fully prepared math and science teachers. It also outlines actions California policymakers and educators are taking to address the issue. Free download. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: Math and Science Education for the California Workforce: It Starts with K–12 (January 2008)
This two-page summary of the 2008 EdSource report highlights the education requirements of some of the state's fastest-growing occupations. It also looks at math and science performance and enrollment data for middle and high school students. Free download. READ MORE
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Math and Science: Gateways to California’s Fastest-growing Careers (January 2008)
This handy, two-page guide for students and parents discusses what students need to do today to prepare for tomorrow's jobs. Free download. READ MORE
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Math and Science Education for the California Workforce: It Starts with K–12 (January 2008)
This 24-page report looks at current projections for California’s workforce needs in several important science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and the extent to which California’s standards-based reforms have affected student achievement in math and science. It also reviews the performance of traditionally low-achieving student subgroups and of the highest-achieving students. READ MORE
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Selected Readings on California School Finance (December 2007)
This volume contains the most popular EdSource publications related to school finance and school district budgeting. It is updated each December to include the most recent information available. READ MORE
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School Finance Highlights 2007-08 (December 2007)
This two-page brief provides a quick look at funding for California schools in 2007-08. Free download. READ MORE
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Major categorical programs: State and federal money is earmarked for special purposes (December 2007)
This handy two-page publication lists the major state and federal categorical programs, and funding amounts, in the 2007-08 California State Budget. Free download. READ MORE
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School Finance 2007-08: A Status Quo Budget in a Time of Increased Pressure (December 2007)
This 16-page report offers a comprehensive look at lawmakers’ funding decisions for schools this year and the impact those decisions may have on future budgets. READ MORE
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Superintendents and Principals: Charting the Paths to School Improvement (November 2007)
California's principals and superintendents develop the vision, set the tone, and in the end, are held responsible for improving student achievement in their schools and districts. This report explores the basic responsibilities of these leaders, the challenges they face today, and how well they are prepared and supported in this vital work. READ MORE
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Summary Report: Similar English Learner Students, Different Results:
Why Do Some Schools Do Better? (September 2007)
This extension of the 2005 Similar Students, Different Results study examines how effective the practices that work for all students in a school are for Spanish-speaking English learners. Free download. READ MORE
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Successful Approaches to Helping Students—Including English Learners—Succeed in Elementary School (September 2007)
This parent guide provides questions that parents can ask about their school based on the practices of successful schools. Also in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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California's School Accountability System Under the Federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) (August 2007)
This publication describes Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and how it affects California. Updated August 2007. (Available free online.) READ MORE
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Frequently Asked Questions About the No Child Left Behind Act or NCLB (August 2007)
A comprehensive list of questions and answers about the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Updated August 2007. (Available free online.) READ MORE
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Executive Summary: California's Charter Schools: Measuring Their Performance (June 2007)
This brief presents the major findings from EdSource’s May 2007 investigation of how California’s charter schools are performing. Free download. READ MORE
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California Charter School Policy Update: Legislators focus on facilities, financing, and governance (June 2007)
Since the enactment of the California Charter Schools Act of 1992, policymakers have continued to add and fine-tune their policy direction. This update looks at the major current charter policy issues. Free download. READ MORE
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California's Charter Schools: Measuring Their Performance (June 2007)
This third annual analysis of charter school performance in California compares how well charter schools did versus noncharters on 2006 academic achievement tests. It also looks at how the academic performance of different kinds of charter schools varied. Free download. READ MORE
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High Standards + Support = More Students Taking Tougher Math (May 2007)
This 4-page brief looks at how California’s high school students are meeting the state’s academic standards in math, with a particular focus on access to and proficiency in Algebra I and Algebra II. Free download. READ MORE
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Similar English Learner Students, Different Results: Why Do Some Schools Do Better? (May 2007)
This extension of the 2005 Similar Students, Different Results study examines how effective the practices that work for all students in a school are for Spanish-speaking English learners. Free download. READ MORE
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Levers for Change: Opportunities to Strengthen California's High School Curriculum (May 2007)
Discussions about how to improve high schools are focusing more deeply on improving the curriculum as a key strategy for serving students better and preparing more of them for success after they leave the K-12 system. This report explores three key leverage points related to high school curriculum and to the challenge of ensuring that all students have access to rigorous, engaging high school instruction. READ MORE
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Executive Summary - Levers for Change: Opportunities to Strengthen California’s High School Curriculum (May 2007)
This 2-page summary of the 28-page EdSource report highlights three powerful levers that state policymakers and local schools can use to strengthen high school curriculum. It also discusses a “multiple pathways” approach to better prepare all students for college and career. Free download. READ MORE
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Keeping California School Districts Fiscally Healthy (April 2007)
This report summarizes findings from a study of financial management in California school districts, including how districts vary in the qualifications and stability of the responsible personnel, the nature of their governance and leadership, and their management practices. The 2006 study was conducted by EdSource and School Services of California as part of the "Getting Down to Facts" project. Free download. READ MORE
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2007 Resource Cards on California Schools (March 2007)
This convenient spiral-bound volume contains the latest data on school finance as well as information on students, teachers, and California's accountability system. READ MORE
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A Glossary of Accountability Terms (February 2007)
This handy, one-page resource is a guide to state and federal accountability programs. Free download. READ MORE
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Quality Education Investment Act embodies a new approach to interventions (February 2007)
The QEIA is California’s latest intervention program to help low-performing schools. This two-page brief explains the selection and funding processes, details the expectations for schools and districts, and discusses implementation issues. Free download. READ MORE
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Worthy Goals, Limited Success: Intervention Programs in California (February 2007)
This EdSource report looks at the history of the state's interventions programs, reviews the evaluations that have been completed, and contrasts those programs with federal requirements including new interventions for school districts. Free download. READ MORE
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Trends and Comparisons in California School Finance (January 2007)
This data-rich report looks at how school district revenues and expenditures in California have changed over time, how they compare to other states, and how they relate to state and federal reform policies. READ MORE
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Q&A: The Basics of California's School Finance System (November 2006)
This two-page Q&A provides a brief, easy-to-understand explanation of California's school finance system and introduces the issues of its adequacy and equity. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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Q&A: The School District Budget Process (November 2006)
This two-page Q&A explains where the money comes from and the constraints on where it goes. It discusses budget pressures facing school districts, the role of collective bargaining, and how the public can influence local school budget decisions. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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School Finance 2006-07 Highlights (October 2006)
For K–12 school agencies, the funding picture is brighter than it has been since 2001 due mainly to increases in the Proposition 98 guarantee for prior years and resulting adjustments. This two-page summary highlights the increases and explains where the dollars are going for the 2006-07 school year. Free download. READ MORE
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Proposition 98 guarantees a minimum level of funding for public schools (October 2006)
This one-page publication explains the effects of Proposition 98 on California school funding as of 2006. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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School Finance 2006-07: State Leaders Settle Up with Education (October 2006)
This report offers a comprehensive look at this year’s funding decisions for schools, recent budget history, and how the state’s schools are funded. Free download. READ MORE
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Proposition 88: Classroom Learning and Accountability Act (September 2006)
This initiative would add a new section to the California Constitution to create an annual statewide tax of $50 on each real property parcel. Funds generated would support specific programs in the state’s public schools. This two-page voter guide outlines the initiative’s key provisions and discusses the issues being raised by proponents and opponents of the measure. Free download. READ MORE
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Proposition 1D: Kindergarten–University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006 (September 2006)
If passed, Proposition 1D would provide $10.4 billion to support new school construction, modernization of existing schools, and the replacement of portables with permanent classrooms in overcrowded schools. This two-page voter guide outlines the proposition’s key provisions, discusses California’s need for K–12 classrooms in the context of its current debt load, and gives a brief explanation of the positions of proponents and opponents of the measure. Free download. READ MORE
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Similar Students, Different Results: Why Do Some Schools Do Better? (June 2006)
Why do some California elementary schools serving largely low-income students do better on the state’s academic performance index (API) than other schools with very similar students? This study surveyed principals and teachers in 257 schools and learned that socioeconomic factors are far from the sole predictor of academic performance. What schools do clearly matters. Free download. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: California's Charter Schools: How Are They Performing? (May 2006)
This brief presents the major findings from EdSource’s May 2006 investigation of how California’s charter schools are performing. Free download. READ MORE
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California's Charter Schools: How Are They Performing? (May 2006)
This second annual analysis of charter school performance in California compared how well charter schools did versus noncharters, as measured by the percentage of schools that met their 2005 Academic Performance Index (API) growth targets. Free download. READ MORE
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The Academic Performance Index (API) (May 2006)
The API is used to compare the performance of California schools and is the centerpiece of the state's accountability program. However, the enactment of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) in 2002, caused the API to take a back seat to NCLB’s “adequate yearly progress (AYP)” approach. This publication describes both the API and AYP and explains why the former is still important to California's school accountability system. View free online. READ MORE
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Student/Parent Guide: About to graduate from high school? Consider career education opportunities. (April 2006)
For many students graduating from high school, the next step is a career technical or vocational program that will prepare them for making a good living in a career they enjoy. This guide helps parents and students evaluate career technical programs available after high school. Free download. READ MORE
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Student/Parent Guide: No high school diploma? You've got options! (April 2006)
A high school diploma is your passport to a more interesting and better paying job. If you're done with high school, but were unable to graduate, don't give up. It's never too late. There are many ways outside of high school to get a diploma, its equivalent, or further education. This guide focuses on those options. Free download. READ MORE
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Proposition 82: Preschool Education (April 2006)
This 4-page election brief offers an impartial analysis of Proposition 82, which will be on the California ballot on June 6, 2006. This initiative would make preschool available free for all 4-year-olds in California regardless of family income by raising the tax rate on the state’s high-income earners. Free download. READ MORE
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Alternatives to the CAHSEE were considered (February 2006)
While many feel that the CAHSEE is a good measure of what students should know to graduate from high school, others believe that alternatives should be provided. Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell’s office developed a chart of alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages. READ MORE
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The California High School Exit Exam Gets Real (February 2006)
The California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) holds students, rather than schools accountable for performance. Debate continues over whether the exit exam requirement is fair for all students. This report maps out the history and status of the exam and addresses key issues surrounding it. READ MORE
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How Hard is the Exit Exam? (February 2006)
The California High School Exit Exam is a pass/fail test consisting of two parts—English language arts and math. These sample questions offer clues about the exam's difficulty. READ MORE
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CAHSEE at a Glance (February 2006)
This page lists EdSource resources that provide insight and information on the California High School Exit Exam. READ MORE
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Issues and Actions in California Education Policy: Setting the Stage for 2006 (January 2006)
With the Governor’s annual budget proposal kicking off the state’s 2006 spending deliberations, how much to budget for schools is a key question. This report summarizes policy actions of 2005, and previews issues that promise to be out front this year. READ MORE
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How California Ranks: A National Perspective (November 2005)
Is California holding its own in K-12 education compared with other states? This eight-page annual rankings report includes numerous charts and graphs that detail the state’s standing nationally. READ MORE
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School Accountability Under NCLB: Ambitious Goals and Competing Systems (August 2005)
Two years before the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) became law, California passed its own Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA). Both programs aim to improve student performance, but they differ fundamentally in the way they define school success. The California Department of Education has developed a proposal in which a modified PSAA would serve as California's sole accountability system going forward. This 16-page report describes the proposal, summarizes similarities and differences between PSAA and NCLB, and highlights key related issues. You may download this publication for free or buy it to receive by mail. READ MORE
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Q&A: Holding School Districts Accountable (August 2005)
School district leaders are responsible for making fiscally sound decisions that support the district's and state's goals for student achievement, and for allowing the public to review their decisions at public meetings. This two-page Q&A explains the oversight of districts and how community members can get involved. Free download. READ MORE
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The Evolution of Career and Technical Education in California (June 2005)
This four-page brief provides basic background on how career and technical education is changing, its current status and scope in California, and key issues to be addressed. You can download it for free, or purchase a copy to receive in the mail. READ MORE
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Guide: The State's Official Measures of School Performance (June 2005)
This four-page guide describes the measures state officials use to evaluate schools and school districts. Download it for free, or purchase a copy to receive it in the mail. Also available in Spanish. READ MORE
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Summary of findings from 'How are California’s Charter Schools Performing?' (June 2005)
This article summarizes the complexities in comparing charter school achievement to that of other public schools and the findings from EdSource’s May 2005 investigation of how California’s charter schools are performing. READ MORE
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Spotlight on California High School Performance (June 2005)
Loaded with tables and graphs, this 24-page report looks at California high school performance measures including student test scores, graduation/dropout rates, and achievement gaps. The publication also considers issues that may be preventing high schools from succeeding. READ MORE
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The Movement To Transform High School: EdSource Forum focuses on the new three R's: rigor, relevance, and relationships (May 2005)
At EdSource's annual Forum, speakers focused on the need to change public high schools. They offered exciting examples of alternatives to the traditional high school and views on the best ways to implement change. This report summarizes their comments. You can download this summary for free, or purchase a copy to receive in the mail. READ MORE
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How are California's Charter Schools Performing? (May 2005)
This 24-page report discusses the complexities in comparing charter and noncharter schools. It summarizes the most recent data from California's assessment and accountability systems, while also presenting findings from prominent research studies which detail how charter schools are doing at improving student achievement. Free download. READ MORE
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Q&A: Charter Schools in California (May 2005)
This two-page Q&A describes what is involved in starting a charter school, how charter schools are funded and regulated, facility issues, and the pros and cons of charters versus traditional schools. Free download, also available in Spanish. READ MORE
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Questions and Answers about California Colleges and Universities (April 2005)
This set of four Q&As provides comprehensive information on California's public colleges and universities for college-bound high school students and their parents. Q&A's discuss college preparation, admissions requirements for the three state systems, transfer information, and resources for more information. Also available in Spanish. READ MORE
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Quality. Access. Low Cost. Can California's Community Colleges Do It All? (March 2005)
California's community colleges and K-12 schools face a similar challenge of providing a quality education to a diverse student body with limited resources. This publication describes the community college system while also exploring the tension between enrollment demand and funding, and summarizing recent research on issues such as remediation rates. READ MORE
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Executive Summary. Quality, Access, Low Cost: Can California's Community Colleges Do It All? (March 2005)
This two-page summary of EdSource's report, Quality. Access. Low Cost. Can California's Community Colleges Do It All? highlights the difficulties inherent in raising expectations for the state's community colleges with limited regard for the costs or tradeoffs involved. Free download. READ MORE
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School District and State Budget Cycle Calendar (January 2005)
The perfect companion to Understanding School District Budgets, this handy foldout calendar details the state budget schedule, and illustrates the nexus between school district budget development, review, and adoption. READ MORE
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Understanding School District Budgets: A Guide for Local Leaders (January 2005)
This easy-to-read guide provides clear information about budget content, management, and the flow of the school district budget process. It demystifies the budget process without oversimplifying it. 24 pages. READ MORE
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FAQ: What accounts for the difference between education revenues and expenditures? (November 2004)
Figures for California's per-pupil education revenues and expenditures do not necessarily match, because they measure different items. This one-page document clarifies what is included in each of these numbers and how they differ. READ MORE
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About revenue limits and basic aid (November 2004)
This page briefly explains the confusing concepts of basic aid and revenue limits, which affect funding for California school districts. READ MORE
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A Glossary of School Finance Terms (August 2004)
This 10-page dictionary clarifies the key terms needed to understand school finance in California. READ MORE
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Charter Schools in California: An Experiment Coming of Age (June 2004)
This full-length publication provides a status report on California's charter schools including the context in which they operate and information on how they are funded. Free download. READ MORE
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Rethinking How California Funds Its Schools (May 2004)
This 20-page report sets out possible goals for a school finance system that could better support California's high expectations for student performance. It provides brief descriptions of various initiatives in California and looks at options for the future. READ MORE
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Weighted Student Formula Concept Enlivens School Finance Debate (May 2004)
A weighted student formula helps allocate dollars directly to schools on a per-pupil basis. This publication highlights details of this reform and how it relates to broader concepts of funding adequacy and decentralization. You can download it for free, or purchase a copy to receive in the mail. READ MORE
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Building Political Will to Overhaul California's School Finance System (April 2004)
This four-pager summarizes comments from experts who spoke at EdSource's Annual Forum "Overhauling School Funding in California: The Push for Greater Adequacy, Equity & Accountability." They discussed ways to build political and public will to change the system. You can download it for free, or purchase a copy to receive in the mail. Also available in Spanish. READ MORE
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California's Middle Grade Students (March 2004)
This EdSource report examines how California's middle grade students are performing against state standards-particularly in algebra. It also discusses the challenges of educating middle grades students and the practices that seem to have the most success in engaging them in school. READ MORE
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Middle Grades: The challenge of meeting high expectations (March 2004)
California's new math standards are causing more 6th, 7th and 8th graders to take Algebra I. This two-page publication examines the importance of algebra instruction, and the state's progress toward helping all students master the topic. Free download. READ MORE
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Q&A: California's Demanding Mathematics Standards (March 2004)
This parent guide describes California's mathematics standards and the reasoning behind them. It also discusses how the state will help students and teachers reach those goals. Also available in Spanish.
Free download. READ MORE
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Proposition 55: Bonds to construct and modernize public education facilities (January 2004)
This two-page voter guide describes the $12.3 billion school bond that passed in the March 2004 election. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: No Child Left Behind in California? (January 2004)
This two-page summary of EdSource's report, No Child Left Behind in California: the impact of the federal NCLB Act so far, highlights the changes California has made in state education policy to comply with NCLB and the impact of those changes on the state's schools. Free download. READ MORE
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No Child Left Behind in California? The impact of the federal NCLB Act so far (January 2004)
This 20-page report offers a broad look at the impacts of No Child Left Behind in California by examining the intent of the law’s major provisions, the federal requirements for compliance, and how California is changing its school improvement and accountability programs in response. Free download. READ MORE
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California’s Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA): Evaluation Findings and Implications (September 2003)
This Evaluation Brief summarizes the main findings and implications of the legislatively mandated, independent evaluation of the Public School Accountability Act. READ MORE
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Q&A: California's Student Testing Program: STAR (August 2003)
This two-page Q&A explains the STAR program and discusses its impact on schools and students. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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Q&A: The California High School Exit Exam (August 2003)
This Q&A explains the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and explores the state's decision to postpone the requirement to pass the exam. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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Show Me the Data: EdSource Forum focuses on using and improving data, and on NCLB (May 2003)
Speakers at our 2003 Forum discussed what the data show about the impact of state reforms, the need for high quality, statewide education data, and how NCLB is affecting California. This report summarizes their comments. You can download this report for free (PDF), or purchase a copy to receive in the mail. READ MORE
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Video - California's Commitment: Raising Academic Standards for All Students (May 2003)
This 15-minute EdSource video introduces the basics of standards-based reform and accountability systems in a concise and engaging way. Also available in Spanish. READ MORE
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Get Involved! California's Public Schools Are Your Schools
(March 2003)
This brochure focuses on the importance of public education, the demands on today's schools, and ways to be constructively involved in school improvement. To view online now, READ MORE
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California's Lowest Performing Schools: who they are, the challenges they face, and how they're improving (February 2003)
This timely new publication provides a comprehensive profile of California’s original Decile 1 and 2 schools, as ranked on the Academic Performance Index. Our 24-page report describes the progress these schools have made to improve and explores strategies that may be helping. The findings in our report can help inform policymakers, educators, and the public. READ MORE
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Narrowing the Achievement Gap: A review of research, policies, and issues (January 2003)
This report documents the nature of the achievement gap in California, using national and California test scores and other student performance data. In addition, it reviews seminal research on the gap, describes some strategies that have been used to address it, and points to steps California could take to narrow it. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: Narrowing the Achievement Gap (January 2003)
This EdFact summarizes the EdSource report, Narrowing the Achievement Gap: A review of research, policies, and issues, which outlines the multifaceted reasons behind the achievement gap, describes some strategies that have been used to address it, and points to steps California could take to narrow it. READ MORE
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Narrowing the Achievement Gap: A review of research, policies, and issues (January 2003)
This report documents the nature of the achievement gap in California, using national and California test scores and other student performance data. In addition, it reviews seminal research on the gap, describes some strategies that have been used to address it, and points to steps California could take to narrow it. READ MORE
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Resource Guide: Creating a Quality After-School Program (May 2002)
This Guide is a companion piece to our report on Out-of-School Programs. It offers resources for evaluating, developing, and funding these programs. To download free now, READ MORE
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Update: California's Education Reforms (October 2002)
This 16-page report summarizes California's standards-based reform efforts to-date and looks at what's in store, including possible impacts of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and the proposed California Master Plan. Free download. READ MORE
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Voter Guide: Proposition 49 (September 2002)
Proposition 49, passed in November 2002, greatly increased and made permanent California’s financial commitment to before- and after-school programs for students in elementary and middle schools. In preparation for the vote, EdSource prepared this four-page guide which analyzes the proposition and summarizes the major arguments pro and con. Also available in Spanish. Free download. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: What We Have Learned About K-3 Class Size Reduction in California (September 2002)
This special version of the executive summary for the four-year study of class size reduction in California by the CSR Consortium contains additional graphs and references to help clarify findings.
To download free now, READ MORE
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Voter Guide: Proposition 47 (September 2002)
Proposition 47 passed in 2002 provided g |
