Research about California Schools

California Education Studies
Carroll, S., et al. (2004). California’s K-12 public schools: How are they doing? Santa Monica, CA: Rand Corporation. http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2004/RAND_MG186.pdf
A new study says California schools, once considered the country's best, now trail national averages in almost every indicator of school quality. Researchers point to a 1978 cap on property tax increases as the root of the state's educational problems, which include a ranking of 48 out of 50 states on national tests and the second-highest student-teacher ratio in the nation.

California’s hidden teacher spending gap. (2005). San Francisco: Education Trust-West.
http://www.hiddengap.org/resources/Report_FINAL.pdf
California teachers who work in schools serving mostly low-income and minority students are paid less than colleagues in more affluent and predominantly white ones, even when the schools are in the same district. The report says rigid union contracts and district budgeting formulas exacerbate the pay disparity

Helfand, D. (2005, Feb. 9). More students show fluency in English. Los Angeles Times.
According to California education officials, 47% of limited English students tested fluent on the state's English Language Development Test last year, which marks the third straight year of gains. State officials attributed the improvement to better-trained teachers and the use of specialized instructional materials, although they noted some of the increase may have stemmed from schools' continuing to classify students as English learners after they tested proficient.

Hayasaki, E. (2005, Feb. 6). Charter schools a beacon of hope. Los Angeles Times.
Charter schools are extremely popular among minority families in California's urban areas. While studies are mixed about whether students in charters outperform peers in traditional public schools, many families like the disciplined, private-school feel of the alternative schools.

Helfand, D. (2005, Feb. 7). Reading program didn’t boost skills. Los Angeles Times.
Some Los Angeles Unified School District board members question why the district should commit more money on the nearly $50 million Waterford Early Reading program when internal reviews have found the program to be ineffective and underused.