blog post Video: Analyzing the Standardized Test Results By Linda Strean May 1, 2017 Standardized tests results show improvement overall. But they also suggest that students already lagging their peers could be falling further behind.
event Student Achievement and Growth on California’s K-12 Assessments Apr 27, 2017 About the ProgramNow that two years of data from California's new standardized tests are available, we are better able to evaluate the progress that students—particularly economically disadvantaged students and English Learners—are making in the wake of the state's recent reforms, which include a new funding system, curriculum, and standardized tests. PPIC researcher Iwunze Ugo will outline the findings from a new report. This research was supported with funding from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.
Report Student Achievement and Growth on California’s K-12 Assessments By Laura Hill, Iwunze Ugo Apr 26, 2017 California’s school children did much better in the second year of new standardized tests. But a look at results for English Learners and economically disadvantaged students indicates that achievement gaps are not closing. Struggling districts may need more guidance from the state—they might also look to schools and districts that have had success with high-need students. This research was supported with funding from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.
blog post Testimony: Accurately Assessing College Readiness By Olga Rodriguez Apr 19, 2017 A more equitable and efficient system for assessment and placement at the community colleges is a vital step in helping all students achieve their academic goals.
blog post Testimony: Ensuring That More Students Succeed in College By Hans Johnson Mar 9, 2017 Ensuring that more students succeed in college is a challenge in California, where 60% of high school students are socioeconomically disadvantaged.
Report Geography of Child Poverty in California By Caroline Danielson, Sarah Bohn Feb 22, 2017 One-quarter of young children across the state live in poverty. In inland regions, reducing child poverty requires efforts to improve job opportunities. In many coastal regions, increasing access to affordable housing will help.
Report Career Technical Education in Health: An Overview of Student Success at California’s Community Colleges By Shannon McConville, Sarah Bohn, Landon Gibson Dec 1, 2016 Health programs at California’s community colleges attract a large and diverse set of students and are linked to growing job opportunities in a generally well-paying industry for Californians with less than a bachelor’s degree. Many community college students who have earned career tech credentials in health care over the past decade have seen sizeable wage gains. Efforts to increase completion rates and close achievement gaps can expand access to health careers while helping the state meet its workforce needs. This research was supported with funding from the Sutton Family Fund.
Report Health Training Pathways at California’s Community Colleges By Shannon McConville, Sarah Bohn, Landon Gibson Dec 1, 2016 State and federal policymakers looking to improve economic mobility and meet workforce needs have renewed their focus on career technical education. Health training is of particular interest—California’s community colleges offer a range of health programs and credentials and demand is growing for health workers with some college training. Students who earn shorter-term health credentials tend to see relatively low wage gains, and relatively few return to school to pursue higher-level training. Targeted outreach and support could help more students move along pathways to higher earnings. This research was supported with funding from the ECMC Foundation and the Sutton Family Fund.
press release Career Tech Credentials in Health at Community Colleges Yield Sizeable Gains Nov 30, 2016
blog post Improving Math Placement Decisions By Linda Strean Nov 28, 2016 A new state law is intended to help ensure that all students have access to rigorous math courses in high school. A new PPIC report looks at how it is being implemented.
