 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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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 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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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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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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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: 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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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Voter Guide: Proposition 47 (September 2002)
Proposition 47 passed in 2002 provided general obligation bonds for construction and modernization of education facilities. In preparation for the vote, EdSource prepared this 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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How California's Education Dollars Are Spent (October 2001)
This two-page EdFact looks at where education dollars go. To download free now, READ MORE
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Proposition 39: Relying on a Super-Majority To Approve Local School Bond Measures (September 2000)
Proposition 39 reduced from two-thirds to 55% the vote school districts and community colleges need to authorize local general obligation bonds for school construction. This four-page report describes that measure and arguments for and against it. Free download. READ MORE
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How Much is Enough? Funding California's Public Schools (April 2000)
Would additional funding help California's schools improve student achievement? Just how much funding would be adequate—and where would it best be spent—for California public schools to meet today's academic standards? This 24-page report frames the issues and describes the controversies surrounding these questions. READ MORE
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Executive Summary: How Much is Enough
(April 2000)
This two-page EdFact summarizes our in-depth report on school funding adequacy in California. To download free now, READ MORE
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California's School Facilities Predicament (April 1998)
Finding space for the growing student population is an enormous challenge. This 16-page report explains the dimensions of the problem. Free download. READ MORE
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What Has Created California's School Facilities Predicament? (April 1998)
This two-page EdFact explains the importance of facilities in educational quality and the state's need for more school buildings. To read online now, READ MORE
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Portable School Buildings: Scourge, Saving Grace, or Just Part of the Solution? (April 1998)
This six-page EdFact discusses the pros and cons of using portables for classrooms. To read online now, READ MORE
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Categorical Aid: Special Dollars for Special Purposes
(March 1997)
For more than 100 years, state and federal governments have earmarked funds, or "categorical aid", for specific educational objectives or categories of children. In California, these funds have increased steadily since the late 1970s, according to this 16-page report. READ MORE
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