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February 20, 2008 - We recommend the Legislature consolidate 43 K-12 categorical programs (totaling $42 billion) into a base grant and three supplemental block grants. Categorical reform of this magnitude would offer districts multiple benefits--including a simplified, streamlined, more transparent funding system; greater ability to focus on student success rather than program compliance; and, perhaps most relevant in tight fiscal years, greater latitude to use available funds to address critical local needs.
February 20, 2008 - We offer an alternative to the Governor’s Proposition 98 budget proposal. Under the alternative, K-12 schools and community colleges would receive roughly the same amount of ongoing program support in 2008-09 as in the current year ($57.7 billion). As part of the alternative, we recommend funding certain core costs while obtaining savings from programs that are duplicative, poorly structured, or technically overbudgeted.
January 24, 2008 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee
January 22, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 On Education Finance
January 17, 2008 - Existing state and federal laws will limit the ability of California to use the state’s new longitudinal student data system once it is completed in 2010. To ensure the full benefits of the new system can be achieved, we recommend the state adopt a new data access policy, expanding the capacity of instructors and policy makers to use student data to improve instruction while preserving student privacy protections.
January 16, 2008 - Presented to Legislative staff and education community.
December 13, 2007 - Presented to: Assembly Education Committee
December 13, 2007 - Presented to: Assembly Education Committee
November 15, 2007 - Presented to Legislative staff and education community.
October 15, 2007 - 2007-08 state budget update presented to Los Angeles County Office of Education, October 4, 2007.
August 1, 2007 - Presented to the EdVoice symposium in Squaw Valley.
May 24, 2007 - The Supplemental Report of the 2006 Budget Act directed our office to examine instructional material costs and assess California’s process for adopting kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) instructional materials. This report details our findings. Most importantly, we identify several shortcomings with California’s K-8 adoption process. To address these shortcomings, we recommend the Legislature adopt a package of six reforms designed to lower instructional material costs, expand school district choice, and enhance program effectiveness.
May 17, 2007 - Presented to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance.
April 15, 2007 - Presented to the California Association of School Business Officials in San Jose, California.
April 10, 2007 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Education Finance.