Cause and Effect

Introduction

Implementing a high-quality education system that enables California children to become a capable workforce is the only way the state can ensure its future success in the global economy. Yet, California faces tremendous, unique challenges in educating every child well.

The size and diversity of the state's student population necessitates policy reforms that allow educators the flexibility to address a wide variety of student needs and that give all students access to the curricula and support necessary for them to meet state standards. While California students have posted gains in achievement test scores in recent years, the reality is, at the current rate of improvement, it will take 30 years before every group of children reaches state performance goals. Less than half of all students are reaching grade level standards in English and math. Supplemental programs that provide additional support for struggling students show promise, but their reach is limited. Tens of thousands of students leave school each year without a high school diploma and unprepared for work or further schooling, undermining their lifetime prospects and California's future prosperity.

California's efforts to improve its education system face many imminent challenges, including a teacher shortage. Thousands of teachers are nearing retirement, and existing pathways to a teaching career will not meet California schools' staffing needs. The state also has yet to develop and implement a data system capable of providing educators and policymakers with the information necessary to make funding, programmatic and curricular decisions based on needs or effectiveness.

Facts & Figures

6.3 million children attend public school in California. About 48% are Latino, 29% are white, 11% are Asian American and 8% are African American.

Nearly 1.6 million students are English Learners (ELs) in California, representing one quarter of the state's public school students and about 40% of the EL students ...