Education
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​The 21st Century Alliance is fighting for a better future in California where we solve problems and get results. We help elect common sense candidates, hold legislators accountable, pass smart bills, and stop bad policy that caters to special interests.
Education: Investing in the Future of California
A Strong Economy Starts with Strong Schools
California’s economy depends on an educated, skilled workforce, but our public education system is failing too many students. Despite being home to world-class universities, our K-12 system ranks among the lowest in the nation in student performance. Chronic underfunding, outdated curricula, and rising college costs threaten the future of our children and our state.​​
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California is home to some of the world’s most innovative industries, but our public education system hasn’t kept pace. Students, parents, and teachers are being left behind by outdated systems, underinvestment, and deep inequities. The 21st Century Alliance is committed to transforming education so every child in California has access to opportunity.
The Problem
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California ranks 36th in per-pupil funding, despite being the fifth-largest economy in the world.
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Only 33% of 8th graders are proficient in reading, and 29% in math—putting them behind national and global peers.
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College tuition has more than doubled since 2000, making higher education increasingly unaffordable.
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Learning Gaps: Persistent achievement gaps exist by income, race, and region.
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Teacher Shortages: We’re short tens of thousands of qualified teachers, especially in special education, STEM, and bilingual instruction.
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Aging Infrastructure: Nearly half of California school buildings are over 50 years old, lacking modern learning environments and climate resilience.
Our Plan
✅ Fund schools based on student needs, not bureaucratic formulas.
✅ Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) to prepare students for high-paying jobs.
✅ Make college more affordable by freezing tuition hikes and increasing financial aid.
✅ Improve literacy and math outcomes with stronger curriculum and support programs.
Our Solutions
1. Increase Investment in Public Schools
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Push for per-pupil funding to meet or exceed the national average.
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Expand mental health counselors, school nurses, and support staff to create whole-child learning environments.
2. Modernize School Facilities
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Invest in green, safe, tech-enabled school campuses with clean energy upgrades and climate resilience retrofits.
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Prioritize modernization in under-resourced districts.
3. Support and Retain Teachers
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Create a statewide housing assistance program for teachers and classified staff.
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Expand loan forgiveness and grow-your-own teacher pipeline programs in hard-to-staff communities.
4. Ensure Equity and Opportunity
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Fund universal transitional kindergarten and preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds.
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Expand community schools that provide wraparound services to families.
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Promote culturally responsive curriculum and anti-racist teaching practices.
5. Close the Digital Divide
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Ensure every student has access to high-speed internet and modern learning devices.
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Fund training for teachers in digital instruction and AI literacy.
6. College and Career Readiness
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Expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) and dual enrollment programs.
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Guarantee access to A–G coursework and guidance counselors in every high school.
Coming Soon: Key Charts
Here are the graphics we’ll include in the PDF factsheet:
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Per-Pupil Spending: CA vs. National Average (2010–2023)
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Math & Reading Proficiency by Income Level
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Teacher Vacancy Trends (2015–2023)
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Digital Divide: % of Households without Reliable Internet by Region
Why It Matters
Education is the greatest equalizer — but only when it is truly accessible and effective for all. By investing in schools, empowering teachers, and closing opportunity gaps, California can build the future our children deserve.
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Take Action
We need bold reforms to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education. Join us in the fight for better schools.