California has begun moving toward a "cradle to career" approach that connects early childhood, K-12, and higher education more closely. But COVID-19 has disrupted learning, funding, and progress toward improving student outcomes and has exacerbated racial and economic equity gaps. This publication is part of a briefing kit that focuses on California's most pressing long-term policy challenges in five key areas: (1) criminal justice; (2) economy; (3) education; (4) safety net; and (5) water and a changing climate. [For the full "California's Future" report, see ED611527. For the 2020 report, "K-12 Education. California's Future," see ED603737. For the 2020 report, "Higher Education. California's Future," see ED603736. This series is funded by the PPIC Corporate Circle and the PPIC Donor Circle.]