California, the nation’s most populous state ranks in the bottom half of most educated states. California public schools are not meeting the educational needs of our students, an issue that demands immediate attention at the state level. To create a world-class education system, California must embrace meaningful reforms that prioritize student success and teacher empowerment.
One of the most significant barriers to learning is the traditional school calendar, which leaves students out of the classroom for nearly three months every summer. This extended break often leads to “summer slide,” where students forget key concepts. Extending the traditional school year from 180 days to 220 days will provide students with continuous opportunities for growth. This will also elevate the need for families to provide childcare services for the entire summer.
California’s educators are the backbone of the state’s education system, yet many are underpaid relative to the demands of their profession. Teachers not only educate, but they also provide emotional support, act as role models, and often purchase classroom supplies out of their own pockets. To attract and retain the best talent, California must increase teacher salaries to reflect their critical role in shaping future generations. Competitive pay is essential to address the ongoing teacher shortage.
While the intention behind California’s late start mandate for middle and high schools was to support adolescent sleep needs, it has created logistical challenges for families and school districts. Parents, particularly working-class families, struggle with childcare and transportation when school schedules no longer align with their workday.
Flexibility should replace mandates. School districts are best positioned to assess their communities’ needs and determine start times accordingly. Empowering districts to make these decisions ensures that education policies are practical, locally driven, and effective in addressing unique regional dynamics.
Large class sizes remain one of the greatest impediments to individualized instruction. In overcrowded classrooms, teachers are stretched thin, making it difficult to address the diverse learning needs of each student. Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes lead to better academic performance, improved classroom behavior, and increased teacher satisfaction. Smaller classes not only benefit students academically but also foster stronger relationships between teachers and students, creating a more supportive and engaging learning environment.
For decades, vocational education has been deprioritized in favor of a “college-for-all” mindset. However, not every student aspires to attend a four-year university, nor should they have to. Reintroducing and expanding trade programs in high schools can prepare students for well-paying, in-demand careers in fields like construction, automotive technology, and healthcare. By bringing back robust vocational education, California can provide students with more pathways to success while addressing workforce shortages in key industries.
California’s stringent credentialing requirements for out-of-state teachers create unnecessary barriers to addressing teacher shortages. Educators who are already credentialed in other states should be able to teach in California without the need for additional courses, certifications or testing. By streamlining credential reciprocity, California can quickly bring experienced teachers into its classrooms; ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction.
When it comes to School Choice, parents with money have options; parents with little or no money have fewer options. One way to empower parents is through school choice programs that allow students and their parents to pick the school that works best for them — and the money to pay for it should follow the student. Well-run charter schools create competition, and competition can trigger low-performing public schools to improve.
California’s public education system stands at a crossroads. Implementing these seven reforms — extending the school year, paying teachers what they deserve, ending the late start time mandate, reducing class sizes, revitalizing vocational education, adopting credential reciprocity and expanding school choice options for parents — will set the state on a path toward educational excellence. Each of these initiatives addresses a critical gap in the current system, creating opportunities for students, teachers, and communities to thrive.
The time for bold action is now. The future of the Golden State depends on the steps we take today.
Mark Powell is a former San Diego County Board of Education Member and public school administrator.
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