This study examines student mobility in California, particularly at the secondary level. It investigates the incidence, consequences, and causes of non-promotional school changes and offers strategies to address the issue. It also draws on an extensive dataset from various sources, including surveys and interviews with California students, parents, and schools. The findings highlight the negative impact of student mobility on educational achievement and suggest that families, schools, community agencies, and policymakers should take action to mitigate its harmful effects.

In 1990, PACE issued a plan for CA schools, addressing the challenges of explosive growth, increasing diversity, and lagging student achievement. Five years later, PACE has revised the plan to include measurable statewide education goals, a new student assessment system, teacher education reforms, and the goal of English proficiency for all students. Other recommendations include school finance reform, coordination between schools and social services, evaluation of local reform efforts, experiments to improve student achievement, and linking school-to-career policy with education reform.