Research to Enrich Education Policy
Summary
Fall 1997 PACE Newsletter Volume 1 Number 1
This inaugural newsletter from Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE) covers a wide range of education policy issues affecting California’s K–12 system, including class size reduction, charter schools, standards-based reform, higher education outreach, and child care policy.
Class size reduction is a major focus, with discussions on California’s $1.5 billion Class Size Reduction (CSR) initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes by limiting K–3 classes to 20 or fewer students. Enthusiasm among educators for smaller classes is high, but challenges related to classroom shortages, inadequate teacher training, and disparities in teacher quality for schools serving low-income and minority students are noted.
Charter schools are examined through ongoing PACE research studying how these schools operate and whether they offer innovative educational approaches. Key considerations include governance structures, teaching practices, community engagement, and the potential for racial and academic stratification.
Standards-based reform efforts are also featured, focusing on the development of high school graduation standards in mathematics and English, led by PACE-affiliated researchers. Broader efforts to establish rigorous academic standards for all grade levels and align them with assessment systems and accountability measures are discussed.
Higher education outreach programs are reviewed, with emphasis on evaluating the effectiveness of programs designed to improve college access for underrepresented students. Recommendations for enhancing outreach efforts and improving evaluation methodologies are also provided.
Child care policy is another prominent theme, particularly in relation to welfare reform. Anticipated increases in demand for child care services, especially for low-income families, are addressed along with efforts to simplify and consolidate child care programs, streamline application processes, and improve the quality of available care.
Overall, PACE’s research offers valuable insights into key education policy debates in California, providing evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving educational outcomes and addressing systemic inequities.