California
U.S.
Rank
Rank
#34 D
Overall PPI Score: 64%
chevron_leftchevron_right
Leadership
Your Governor:
Gavin Newsom (D) (25)
First term began in 2019 (two-term limit).
A focus on more money for schools, pensions, child care, after school programs, mental health services, and even making a modest effort to support dyslexia programs might sound great to some. However, it also means placing more control in the hands of the bureaucracy to govern how children are educated and cared for, rather than in the hands of parents. Nevertheless, the Golden State’s Governor did take a stand against the union and for charter schools when he vetoed a bill that would have had negative consequences on charter operations who take facilities funds, boldly telling the sponsors to focus on more important things, in so many words.
STATE LEGISLATURE:
The legislature is largely hostile to charter schools and has been for decades. Attempts to curtail charter growth and freedom are endless, thanks to the grip of the California Teachers Association. In major cities where charters are at a critical mass of students, like Los Angeles, the board adopts policies that prohibit and dictate charter facilities and operations. What was once a model charter environment has fallen prey to special interests and sadly advocates would rather keep the peace than fight.
Constitutional Issues
California has a very strict interpretation of its Blaine Amendments. "That interpretation prevents any public body from the state down to the local school board from allowing any public money from any source whatsoever to go to a religious or private school. California courts have explicitly rejected the distinction between aiding students versus aiding schools." (Institute for Justice)
Transparency
California is transparent with its school and accountability data. School report cards are easily found on the California Department of Education website under the Testing and Accountability subheading, by clicking California School Dashboard. This takes you to the California School Dashboard site where you can view school and district reports. Report cards initially provide a summary of the school’s demographic and student group breakdown; additional information useful to parents, like achievement and enrollment, are available by selecting a “full view” option. The report card includes additional details such as facility repair and teacher preparation data. However, this extra information may complicate viewers' ability to easily identify and understand pertinent information for making informed school choices.
Information about educational options are accessible in one click under the “Specialized Programs” section, where you can find information on charter schools and independence study.
School board elections in California align with the general election cycle, empowering parents with greater influence in their decision-making due to increased voter turnout.