The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented education equity crisis in California. K-12 schools continue to remain closed and it is yet unclear if they will re open in the fall. Similarly, the University of California and California's Community Colleges have not yet announced a systemwide decision, but the California State University's…

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented education equity crisis in California. Since mid-March, almost all California schools and colleges have closed in response to the pandemic, requiring education leaders and administrators to stretch their resources to create or improve distance learning plans, support students' basic needs, and…

In today's global economy, a high-quality, comprehensive education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity--it is a prerequisite for success. Such an education must promote academic knowledge and skills, as well as the kind of individual and social competencies that are essential for navigating the relationships and challenges of the modern…

This project focuses on the policies and practices of school boards (or mayors or others who govern public schools), and how their priorities can make a tangible difference in the academic success of kids living in poor communities. Instead of focusing on deficits of poverty, the researchers wanted to stress school board action as an effective…

Working with K-12 schools is a valuable way for institutions and their boards to cultivate college-ready students and equip them with a sense of purpose and direction when they arrive on campus. Key elements to preparing young students for higher education include communicating expectations clearly and consistently, reaching out to underserved…

Based on recent bitter experience, this article tells districts how to prepare for a teacher strike. Administrators should assess their public relations program and the strength of their board, know their adversary (the union) and the bargaining process, asssess the management team, and plan strategically. (MLH)

In "Hosemann v. Oakland Unified School District," a California Superior Court ruled that Oakland public schools have an affirmative duty to alleviate crime and violence on school campuses. Both students and staff members are now protected against violent acts on school grounds. Guidelines are offered for school boards and administrators…

California school employee unions' objective is the enhancement of wages and hours for their members. School districts and unions need to participate in some form of collaborative (nonadversarial) bargaining. Lists steps a district might follow to handle the negotiations process from an educational point of view; that is, support and enhance…

If the notion of public and private spheres seems somehow quaint or old-fashioned, the distinction between public and private corporations will be that much more obscure. Yet Channel One broadcasts in a public school classroom are indisputably the result of a contract between a private corporation (Alloy Media + Marketing) and a public corporation…

Individual members of state legislatures wield the greatest influence in state level policy formation. This was one of the findings of a study that identified the power and influence context of state-level policymaking. Data were gathered from six states (Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois) using an instrument…

These guidelines have been developed to assist California State Department of Education staff members in organizing a manuscript so that it is clear, and will require a minimum of rewriting, editing, and keyboarding before it is sent for publication. The intention is to give staff members a better idea of what is expected of them as authors, and…

Intended as the beginning of an ongoing review of the California Community Colleges' (CCC) vocational education programs, academic certificate and degree programs, and short-term job skills and retraining programs, this paper sets out to: define economic development and clarify its role in the community college context; develop a consensus among…

Experiences in systems-development for state information systems are summarized for eight pilot-test state agencies, as part of the State Level Information Base project. Attention is directed to the evaluation of information needs; hardware and software choices; survey administration; data organization, storage, and linkages; and staffing…

Experiences of pilot-test state agencies in developing an information system are summarized, as part of the State Level Information Base project. The background and functions of each of the eight pilot-test state agencies are described, along with the information systems approach, and planning responsibilities (comprehensive planning, budgeting,…

Collecting information from sources including periodicals, regulations, and California school district documents, this guide offers a variety of suggestions for establishing strong management teams. After a brief account of the evolution of the management team in California, an essay underscoring the importance of commitment for effective…