Getting Down to Facts is an extensive investigation of CA's public education system commissioned by a bipartisan group of CA leaders. The project aimed to describe California's school finance and governance systems, identify obstacles hindering resource utilization, and estimate costs to achieve student outcome goals. The project resulted in 23 reports by scholars, which highlight that the current school finance and governance systems fail to help students achieve state performance goals, particularly those from low-income families. The reports provide a framework for assessing reform options.

Many new teachers leave the profession due to low salaries, which have only slightly increased despite requiring similar preparation to other professions. A possible solution is extended contracts made possible by year-round school schedules, which could raise salaries within restricted budgets. This study examines the effects of extended-year contracts on teacher satisfaction and burnout.