blog post Will the Governor’s Budget Reduce the Heat on School Districts? By Patrick Murphy, Julien Lafortune, Radhika Mehlotra Jan 28, 2019 Governor Newsom's proposed budget calls for a one-time $3 billion payment to the main teacher retirement system, but is it enough to relieve financial pressure on California's schools?
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey of Los Angeles By Mark Baldassare Mar 17, 2004 This survey – the second in an annual series of PPIC surveys of Los Angeles County – is a special edition of the PPIC Statewide Survey, which periodically includes regional and special-theme surveys. The intent of this survey is to provide an objective, in-depth profile of the public opinions, policy preferences, and economic, social, and political trends in Los Angeles County – the most populous county in the nation. Some findings of the current survey Deep racial and political divides separate the residents of Los Angeles: 86% of whites, 85% of Asians, and 80% of Latinos say they are satisfied with the community they live in, while 33% of blacks are dissatisfied. A majority of Asians (52%) and Latinos (50%) think the county is headed in the right direction, but whites (43%) and blacks (36%) are less optimistic. A much higher share of Republicans (80%) than Democrats (45%) approve of the job Arnold Schwarzenegger is doing as governor. Democrats are much more worried than Republicans that the state’s budget deficit will lead to severe cuts in K-12 education (Democrats 76%, Republicans 43%), health and human services (Democrats 74%, Republicans 36%), and government services such as parks and police (Democrats 63%, Republicans 29%). Majorities of Democrats would be willing to pay higher taxes to maintain current funding in these three areas (K-12 education 66%, health and human services 56%, local government services, 54%), whereas a majority of Republicans would vote against such taxes (K-12 education 52%, health and human services 62%, local government services 56%).
Report Factors and Future Projections for K–12 Declining Enrollment By Julien Lafortune, Emmanuel Prunty Dec 11, 2023 Over the past five years, enrollment has fallen in nearly three-quarters of California school districts, and the trend is expected to continue into the next decade. Faster declines could bring pressure to close schools, along with concerns about the students and neighborhoods bearing the costs of downsizing.
blog post The High School Exit Exam: What’s Next? By Paul Warren Sep 24, 2014 The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is likely to be a topic of discussion in the next legislative session. The question is whether to update it so that it aligns better with Common Core, find an alternative measure, or eliminate the requirement altogether.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on the Environment By Mark Baldassare Jul 21, 2005 Some findings of the current survey 86% of California adults believe that global warming will affect current or future generations. 57% believe the effects are already being felt. 62% identify human activities as the primary cause of global warning. Only 22% say naturally occurring increases in temperature are responsible. More residents trust the state government (52%) than the federal government (43%) to provide correct information about the condition of the environment. A majority (54%) believe that the state government, apart from the federal government, should address the issues of global warming. 38% of Californians say they approve of President Bush’s performance in office. Fewer approve of his handling of environmental (32%) and energy (29%) issues. A majority of state residents (56%) oppose new oil drilling in federally-protected areas such as the Alaskan wilderness and remain opposed (53%) to allowing more oil drilling off the California coast. This is the 57th PPIC Statewide Survey and the second in a special three-year series supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The intent of this special series is to raise public awareness, inform decisionmakers, and stimulate public discussion about environment, education, and population issues facing the state. The current survey focuses in particular on public perceptions, policy preferences, and personal choices relating to air quality and energy-related issues.
blog post Private Schools Dominate the Approval Process for Reopening By Niu Gao, Joseph Hayes Sep 23, 2020 The state has approved waivers allowing more than 500 elementary schools to open in counties with the highest level of COVID-19 risk, with private schools accounting for more than nine in ten.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey of Los Angeles By Mark Baldassare Mar 16, 2005 Some findings of the current survey Los Angeles residents are stunningly unhappy with some key indicators of quality of life: Large majorities say traffic congestion on freeways and major roads (74%) and the availability of affordable housing (64%) are big problems in the county today, up markedly from just two years ago (67% traffic, 54%affordable housing). Assessments of police protection and the quality of parks, beaches, and recreation facilities have fallen considerably from the ratings given only one year ago. In addition, only one-third of county residents give excellent or good ratings to the condition of streets and roads (32% today, 51% in 2004) and public schools (36% today, 43% in 2004). County residents are more likely to believe that the county will be a worse place to live in twenty years (37%) than a better place (24%). Only 28% of the likely voters in the city of Los Angeles say that they trust their city government to do what is right just about always or most of the time. Crime and gangs remain the top issue concerning county residents (21%), followed by education (17%), and traffic (10%). One-third of county residents hope to leave Los Angeles County in the next five years. This survey – the third in an annual series of PPIC surveys of Los Angeles County – is a special edition of the PPIC Statewide Survey, which periodically includes regional and special-theme surveys. The intent of this survey is to provide an objective, in-depth profile of the public opinions, policy preferences, and economic, social, and political trends in Los Angeles County – the most populous county in the nation.
