Policy Analysis for California Education

A new infographic from PACE updates previously published findings on participation in dual enrollment by California high school students to include the years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: Researchers from the California Education Lab and the Wheelhouse Center for Community College Leadership and Research at the University of California, Davis - School of Education found that overall participation in dual enrollment, which had nearly doubled before the pandemic, has since leveled off. While participation remains high for all student groups, gaps between racial/ethnic groups persist and, in some cases, have widened in recent years. Rates of participation have also slightly decreased for socioeconomically disadvantaged students among recent graduates. https://lnkd.in/gsZnfMV5

In defense of Democracy—Christopher Edley, Jr., the valiant former Professor and Dean Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley - School of Law, Interim Dean at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Education, Cofounder and President Emeritus at The Opportunity Institute and longtime, beloved PACE Faculty Director has a new Law research and training center founded in his name, honor, and memory at Berkeley Law: The Edley Center on Law & Democracy. https://lnkd.in/g_cY6m7k

Why are districts stuck in cycles of constant change without improvement? Uncover the keys to successfully scaling evidence-based interventions in districts with details and insights from PACE’s Alix Gallagher featured in The LEARN Network's latest blog. https://lnkd.in/gseFXY_h

The LEARN Network, funded by the Institute of Education Sciences and led by SRI Education, focuses on advancing learning recovery through the use of evidence-based products and practices.?? ? In their latest blog, "Strategies for Successful Scaling in Districts: Breaking the Cycle of the ‘Next New Thing’," Alix Gallagher from Policy Analysis for California Education offers valuable insights on overcoming the challenges of scaling new educational interventions.? ? Learn how thoughtful implementation and strategic piloting can drive sustainable improvements in district-wide practices. This blog provides insights on how to move beyond initial adoption, build genuine ownership among educators, and integrate interventions into existing systems for long-term success.?? ? Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gKFBuzG6.

PACE’s Alix Gallagher: “AI can do positive things—but individual teachers and small school districts won’t be able to keep up with the pace of change. Trusted nonprofits or state education officials should help determine which AI tools are trustworthy. The question in California: Who’s going to step up and lead that effort?” https://lnkd.in/gYNX-hYi via CalMatters

There are lots of questions about how CS Education should adapt to the rise in generative AI. Policy Analysis for California Education is proud to support this project of TeachAI, which provides guidance for K-12 educators and policy makers about this important issue.

PACE’s Executive Director Heather Hough: “This is reality over the next 10yrs—the pandemic exacerbated a trend already happening that created much chaos for many school districts because seemingly overnight, they had huge declines in population and had to scramble to adjust." https://lnkd.in/gMtD6gKU via The Mercury News

PACE Director Alix Gallagher: “Right now there isn’t publicly available data for roughly the first third of a kid’s career in public schools. We now have universal access to TK, kindergarten, first, second and third grades. At the end of third grade, kids take the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment). And that’s the first time, as a system, we know anything about kids’ learning.” https://lnkd.in/gDwcVGRM via EdSource

PACE Faculty Director and USC Rossier School of Education Professor Julie Marsh sounds a cautionary alarm on declining student enrollment alongside the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds in California: "Places that have a budget reserve are going to handle it a little bit better, but we’re facing potential layoffs, potential closures of schools and—at the worst case—you might see places that are insolvent or might have to be taken over by the state." https://lnkd.in/gyGGXC86 via USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

PACE's Executive Director Heather Hough: "Passing a blanket policy requirement for California high-schoolers during an absenteeism crisis may exacerbate existing problems—like a statewide teacher shortage—further restricting districts trying to create course offerings that keep students attending class." https://lnkd.in/gT-etK-w via The Sacramento Bee