event Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment Jul 28, 2022 In the July survey, PPIC examines Californians’ concerns about environmental issues, including drought, wildfires, and the condition of our beaches. The survey also tracks opinions on state efforts to address climate change along with support for policies to expand oil production and develop renewable energy sources. PPIC survey analyst Deja Thomas will present key findings and discuss takeaways with survey analyst Rachel Lawler.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Employment Patterns for CalFresh Adults By Tess Thorman, Caroline Danielson, Stephanie Barton Jul 13, 2022 Most CalFresh participants work, but unemployment and job instability are common. CalFresh assistance may help some stay connected to the workforce; however, work patterns may affect the length and impact of benefits. Policymakers and administrators should ensure that processes for getting and keeping benefits accommodate workers.
Report Understanding the Effects of School Funding By Julien Lafortune May 18, 2022 Funding for California’s K–12 public schools has reached record highs, but gaps in student outcomes remain. Understanding the benefits of additional funds, and how to distribute those funds, are key concerns for policymakers. This report offers insights from a robust body of research on the extent to which higher spending improves outcomes.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Understanding the Effects of School Funding By Julien Lafortune, Stephanie Barton May 18, 2022 A wide body of recent research offers insights into how and where additional dollars to fund K–12 public schools can improve student outcomes such as test scores and graduation rates. Estimates also reveal how long it may take to close gaps by race and income, based on current trends in funding.
event Statewide Survey: Californians and Education Apr 28, 2022 PPIC’s annual statewide survey on Californians and education examines views on the quality of education in public schools, as well as perceptions of the lingering challenges brought on by the pandemic. It also tracks opinions on public school funding, school teachers, and preschool. PPIC researchers Rachel Lawler and Dean Bonner will discuss these and other key findings.
Policy Brief Policy Brief: Health Care Access among California’s Farmworkers By Paulette Cha, Stephanie Barton Apr 25, 2022 California’s farmworkers, who are a key link in the food supply chain, often face barriers to health care—including cost or lack of insurance. Certain expansions to Medi-Cal led to gains in insurance coverage for some farmworkers; other policies, such as the employer mandate in the Affordable Care Act, did not seem to improve coverage.
blog post California K–12 Enrollment Declines Continue to Exceed Expectations By Julien Lafortune, Emmanuel Prunty Apr 21, 2022 K–12 public school enrollment statewide has fallen for five straight years, with a decrease of more than 270,000 students over the past two years alone. Examining the variation across regions provides insights into this enrollment decline.
blog post Video: COVID in California—What Have We Learned about Education? By Mary Severance Apr 8, 2022 Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, talks with PPIC’s Lande Ajose about how schools adapted to the pandemic and ways to create a more equitable education system moving forward.
blog post New Leadership at PPIC By Mark Baldassare Mar 17, 2022 President and CEO Mark Baldassare has informed the PPIC Board of Directors that he will be stepping down at the end of 2022. “It has been my honor to lead this valued and trusted research organization during these critical years,” Baldassare writes.
blog post Helping K–12 Students Recover from the Pandemic By Laura Hill, Niu Gao, Julien Lafortune Mar 10, 2022 Increased state and federal resources will play a key role as California helps students overcome learning disruptions of the past two years, though longer-term challenges remain.
