Proposed ‘One-time Funding’ Legislation Would Further Racial & Educational Equity through LCFF
Students and parents have teamed up with Assemblymember Kevin McCarty to propose legislation that would further racial and educational equity through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Assembly Bill 2820 will ensure that districts and schools have the tools to make sure students and families are engaged in improving their schools and are regularly surveyed…
Read More
Californians for Justice Top 5 Highlights of 2017
2017 has been a meaningful year for Californians for Justice. In the wake of a federal government that endorses hate, racism, and growing inequality, it has reaffirmed our commitment and fired us up even more to organize, resist, and lead the way with progressive policy solutions and action to transform public education – for the…
Read More
Students Call On Legislators To Address California Teacher Shortage
Just last year, California’s teacher shortage forced schools to hire more than 10,000 underprepared teachers. The Learning Policy Institute has found that low-income students of color are 3 times more likely to be taught by an underprepared teacher. Underprepared teachers fall into 3 categories (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing): Teachers who provisional intern permits,…
Read More
Let’s Talk About School Choice
Before Betsy DeVos assumed the role as the Secretary of Education in a tie-breaking vote by Vice President Mike Pence, she called “public education a ‘dead end.’” A month later, in her first speech to urban school district leaders, she declared that she “supports all public schools.” Betsy DeVos’ shuck and jive views on public…
Read More
Students Ask Betsy Devos The Tough Questions
“Betsy Devos: What will you do to make sure all student feel safe and welcome in their schools?” – Nailiah Williams, CFJ Youth Leader EdSource recently asked education leaders what they would ask Betsy Devos if they had the chance. CFJ youth leaders spoke with their reporter to raise up the issues that matter most. Read more…
Read More
CFJ In The News: California’s Search for Education Equity
Just a few years ago, Californians for Justice helped end a 10 year effort to bring equitable funding to our schools. As organizations, teachers, students, and districts work to figure out how to use that funding to move all students towards success, a few have found that centering relationships in classrooms and schools can equal…
Read More
Betsy DeVos and the threat to Public Education
DeVos’ confirmation is not about challenging the status quo to create a better public education system. It is about providing a false narrative that public education is “flush with billions of dollars.” It is about reinforcing a system of winners and losers. Just ask DeVos’ home state, Michigan, which now leads the U.S in…
Read More
20th Anniversary Youth Leadership Series: Introducing Francisco Cortez
Californians for Justice was the defining moment for me where I realized that I could make a difference in my community. Before Californians for Justice, I was shy and quiet. I wasn’t sure that I had what it takes to be a leader. Leaders can stand up in front of a room and talk to…
Read More
6 Things You Should Know About The State of Education
“Old ways will not open new doors. Education is changing. How can we reimagine what schools should look like?” – Erica Hasenbeck, Restorative Practices Manager, Fresno Unified School District In May, Californians for Justice and Teacher Associations in Oakland, San Jose, and Fresno came together to discuss the State of Education for low-income students of…
Read More