The research evidence suggests that state leaders should focus on:

Building on current reforms

During the past decade, California’s education system has undergone major reforms that have resulted in improvements, but the system is still in need of capacity building.

Addressing achievement gaps

Large achievement gaps by race, ethnicity, income and English learner status persist in California and need a continued focus through multiple approaches, including enhanced early childhood education.

Increasing funding and fixing systems

Funding for schools in California has improved but remains short of adequate levels given the goals of state policies. Moreover, funding reforms left critical issues unresolved.

Across 36 studies, our researchers found:

STUDENT SUCCESS
Much of the large achievement gaps in California are evident at school entry, in part due to an early education system that is underfunded, fragmented, and inefficient.
GOVERNANCE
The California School Dashboard is a bold and promising experiment in school accountability but it also has weaknesses, in both data and presentation.
PERSONNEL
Many California principals have experienced some high-quality preparation and professional development, but very few have had comprehensive training, although principals trained after 2013 seem better prepared.
FINANCE
Special Education costs are rising, but state support and funding for Special Education has not; as a result, special education finance is a particular concern for district leaders.