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
California's 11th grade tests of language arts and math—which are good predictors of college success—indicate that less than 30 percent of 11th grade students are ready for college-level work in both areas.
GOVERNANCE
Timely, accessible, and meaningful data is essential for schools and districts to improve outcomes for students, but California lags far behind other states in supporting an infrastructure for data-driven decisionmaking.
PERSONNEL
Access to school-based health care and mental health services is important for student success, but fewer than 20% of elementary schools offer physical health services and fewer than 40% provide any kind of mental health services.
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.