Report The Impact of COVID-19 on Science Education By Niu Gao, Kathy DiRanna, Maria T. Chang Fay Jun 21, 2022 COVID-19 school shutdowns were especially disruptive for science education, which has long been a lower priority than math and English language arts. But as California schools recover from the pandemic, state policymakers can take steps to promote equitable investments in science literacy.
Fact Sheet The Digital Divide in Education By Darriya Starr, Joseph Hayes, Niu Gao Jun 15, 2022 The pandemic spurred efforts to close longstanding gaps in digital access that affect African American, Latino, and lower-income students.
event Responding to the Youth Mental Health Crisis Jun 1, 2022 When COVID–19 shuttered businesses and schools, it disrupted the lives of all Californians, especially children and adolescents. What impact has two years of living through a pandemic had on the mental health of our youth—and what can be done to help mitigate the effects? Join PPIC vice president and senior fellow Lande Ajose in a wide-ranging discussion with Alberto Carvalho of Los Angeles Unified School District; Lishaun Francis of Children Now; and Melissa Stafford Jones of California Health and Human Services.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas May 25, 2022 Key finding include: Rising prices, the economy, and housing are the top issues for Californians. Most approve of the $18 billion package that Governor Newsom has proposed to address inflation. Majorities think the nation is headed in the wrong direction and anticipate bad economic times in the next year. For the November midterm elections, most likely voters favor the Democratic candidate in their House district and prefer a candidate who wants Roe v. Wade kept in place.
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.
event Setting the Stage for Universal Preschool May 12, 2022 As the state expands its Transitional Kindergarten program, one key issue is whether access will be equitable. PPIC researcher Emmanuel Prunty will present findings from a new report examining current participation in the program across diverse student groups and districts, and a panel of experts will discuss ways to ensure an equitable expansion toward the goal of closing gaps in school readiness.
blog post Reengaging Citizens in the Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare May 11, 2022 California’s initiative process generally receives favorable reviews from voters, but overwhelming majorities across partisan groups say that at least some changes are needed.
blog post A Life Written in Water: Susan Tatayon Reflects on Her 40-year Career By Sarah Bardeen May 2, 2022 As the former chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, Susan Tatayon has a unique perspective on the state’s water woes. We asked her to reflect on all she has learned in her four-decade career in California water.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Education By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Apr 27, 2022 More than four in ten parents say their children have fallen behind academically during the pandemic. While most Californians approve of the way Governor Newsom is handling public K–12 education, many believe its quality has declined over the past few years.
event Building California’s Future Apr 26, 2022 How can we leverage recent investments in infrastructure to build a brighter future for all Californians? Join PPIC vice president and senior fellow Lande Ajose for a conversation with state and local leaders about the critical role of infrastructure in promoting opportunity, equity, and sustainability for the state’s diverse communities.