Ideas For Revamping Calif. Schools Emerge From Study

A committee appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is likely to recommend several changes for the California school governance and financing systems. These changes may include an improved education data system, stronger pre-K and kindergarten programs, and a shift towards school spending based on student needs rather than program categories. The Committee on Education Excellence, chaired by Ted Mitchell, provided a brief preview of their work at a recent meeting involving educators, researchers, legislative aides, and advocacy-group representatives. They are waiting to see what Governor Schwarzenegger meant when he declared 2008 the “year of education.”

Similar meetings are being held across the state as the education community responds to the “Getting Down to Facts” research report released earlier this year. This report highlighted how California’s once-envied public school system has veered off track.

One key recommendation is expected to be a change to the school financing system. Currently, the system allocates a significant portion of its spending to specific program categories, rather than implementing a “weighted” system that provides different levels of funding based on students’ needs, such as low-income students, those with disabilities, and English-language learners. Examples of weighted finance systems, like those adopted by the school districts of San Francisco, the state of Hawaii, and Edmonton, Alberta in Canada, have garnered attention. These systems also grant principals more control over budgeting decisions at their schools.

“We are exploring ways to reduce categorical programs,” Mr. Mitchell hinted. “We are closely examining weighted systems implemented in other parts of the country.”

Suggestions for overhauling California’s school financing and governance include building a “world-class” data and information system, strengthening teaching and leadership, implementing a fair and flexible funding system that rewards success, streamlining governance, and establishing a strong foundation in pre-K and kindergarten. These proposals were put forth by Ted Mitchell, Chairman of the Committee on Education Excellence.

Some experts believe that this redesign could be a feasible alternative considering California’s fiscal concerns. Lisa Snell, the director of education and child welfare at the Reason Foundation, a Los Angeles-based think tank, stated that it could be done using existing funding. However, others argue that weighted formulas alone may not be the most effective solution for a system that Governor Schwarzenegger has labeled as broken and that Mr. Mitchell described as compliance-driven rather than results-driven.

Lawrence O. Picus, a school finance expert and professor at the University of Southern California, emphasized the need to determine the cost of successful student outcomes. He suggests that the state might need to allocate up to $85 billion annually to see improved achievement, whereas the current budget for K-12 education is approximately $60 billion. Mr. Picus highlights that pupil weights can be useful in distributing funds but likened it to rearranging chairs on the Titanic.

Experts prepared 47 papers for the recent gathering organized by EdSource, a California-based organization that aims to clarify complex education issues. However, participants also acknowledged the limitations imposed by a lack of growth in the state budget. The ongoing process of revamping the state’s health-care system further complicates the situation.

In a recent survey, it was found that 94 percent of parents and 86 percent of students expect policymakers to take action based on the findings of the “Getting Down to Facts” studies. Additionally, nearly three-quarters of parents expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes if it meant improving schools more effectively. The respondents identified concerns such as low graduation rates, underprepared teachers, and overcrowded classrooms as issues that need to be addressed.

During a conference call organized by Parents and Students for Great School and Public Advocates, Sylvester McKinley, a senior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, described his school as resembling a prison rather than an educational institution. He mentioned the presence of large cockroaches on campus, akin to those seen on the TV show “Fear Factor.”

However, there was no consensus among the parents and students on how to fix the dysfunctional education system. While over 90 percent of those surveyed expressed a desire for increased spending, opinions diverged on how the funds should be allocated. Roughly half preferred a formula that directs more money to schools with students facing greater needs, while around 40 percent advocated for an equal distribution of funds regardless of student needs.

California Secretary of Education, David Long, who serves as the governor’s chief education adviser, has been actively seeking input from educators, administrators, and other groups throughout the state. A series of community leader meetings have provided an opportunity for participants to voice their opinions. One common concern raised during these meetings is the perception that decisions are made in a top-down manner. Darline P. Robles, the superintendent of the Los Angeles County Office of Education, stressed the importance of simplifying the funding formula and granting districts more flexibility in budget decisions. While recognizing the necessity of targeted funding, she emphasized the need for a transparent system that can be easily understood by the public.