Standards and Curriculum Publications

EdSource offers a wide range of publications that provide policy analysis and data about standards and curriculum in California. This page lists recent EdSource publications, including EdSource Reports that you can order through our secure e-commerce system, and briefs you can download free.

Note: Downloadable publications are available as PDFs. You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print them.

As a non-profit organization, EdSource depends on the sale of these publications to help support our work. We thank you for your order and for respecting our copyright by not reproducing our publications without permission. Contact the EdSource office about our generous bulk discounts for multiple copies.

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. Free download. READ MORE     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $8.00

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

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

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

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     qty: Buy to download now (select Qty. 1), $6.00     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $6.00

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     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $3.00

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

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

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     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $16.00

Video - Elevando las Normas de California para Todo Estudiante (May 2003) (mayo de 2003) Aquí tiene un modo breve e interesante para explicar a sus constituyentes las nuevas normas educativas de California. Este video de 15 minutos de EdSource puede ofrecer a cualquier reunión escolar o comunitaria, información sobre el mejoramiento escolar, evaluaciones y responsabilidades, prioridades del presupuesto, o la importancia de la participación comunitaria. Presentado una muestra representativa de los californianos, ésta es una presentación clara e imparcial que introduce lo básico. Se incluyen los guías de moderador gratis. Lea Mas. READ MORE     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $16.00

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     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $3.00

Is California on the Right Track? Speakers debate how best to meet rising expectations for K-12 education (May 2002) This 12-page report summarizes speakers' comments from EdSource's Forum, which examined whether California was moving in the right direction to meet the rising expectations for K–12 education. To download free now, READ MORE     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $5.00

The Civic Purposes of Public Schools (April 2002) In the wake of September 11, citizenship education is a hot topic. This 12-page report covers the issues and state policies. To download free now READ MORE     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $5.00

California's New Academic Standards Take Hold (May 2001) This 16-page report discusses the responses of more than 600 middle and high school principals to an EdSource survey on the progress they are making toward adopting California's academic standards in their schools and districts. READ MORE     qty: Buy to download now (select Qty. 1), $5.00     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $5.00

Summary of EdSource Standards Survey Findings (May 2001) This two-page EdFact summarizes the findings of the January 2001 EdSource survey of California high school and middle school principals. To download free now, READ MORE

Aligning California's Education Reforms: Progress Made and the Work That Remains (January 2001) This 16-page report examines the extent to which California has successfully aligned its standards, curriculum framework and materials, teacher preparation and professional development practices, and student assessment and accountability systems. Free download. READ MORE     qty: Buy to receive by mail, $3.00