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Informing Policy, Improving Practice for California Students
Toward a Stronger Next Generation of California Education
California is at an inflection point in education. Over the past two decades, the state has built stronger foundations through more equitable school funding, stronger standards and assessments, expanded early childhood education, improved data systems, and investments in community schools, early literacy, and the educator workforce. Yet California now faces a different question: whether those stronger foundations can support a public education system prepared for a very different future. Work is changing quickly, student engagement and well-being remain fragile after the pandemic, and federal commitments to civil rights, student welfare, and accountability have become less certain.
What the Research Shows
Across 55 studies, this body of work examines the conditions, practices, and systems that drive impact. The findings provide a rigorous evidence base to inform decision-making at the state, district, and school levels.
Technical Report
Adoption Windows and Reform: California’s Math Pathways in the Post-Common Core Era
This report studies changes to middle and high school math pathways after the Common Core transition. It shows how decisions about the timing of Algebra I and the structure of high school courses can shape students’ achievement and opportunity in advanced mathematics.
Technical Report
California’s System of Special Education Staffing
This report analyzes California’s special education workforce needs across teachers, related service providers, and paraeducators. It highlights strategies for improving recruitment, preparation, role design, and retention.
Research Brief
Goals for Students and Schools in California: Broad Aspirations, Uneven Translation into Practice
This brief examines how California’s broad goals for student success are inconsistently defined and implemented, creating uneven educational opportunities and outcomes across schools.
Research Brief
Meeting Students Where They Are: The Challenge of Differentiation in California Schools
This brief examines the challenge of differentiation in California schools, emphasizing the need to better meet students where they are through more responsive and personalized instruction.
Research Brief
Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities in California School Finance
This brief examines California’s school finance system, highlighting key successes while identifying ongoing challenges and opportunities to improve equity, adequacy, and transparency in funding allocation.
Research Brief
Leadership Stability in California: Capacity, Continuity, and System Coherence
This brief examines leadership stability in California schools, highlighting how capacity, continuity, and system coherence affect school and district improvement efforts.