Comments on: LAO: Most state mandates don’t really help schools

By: anonymous

anonymous — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 23:03:27 +0000

I think this may be a little late because much of the funding that they are referring to is now considered “tier 3″ and districts are able to use these funds flexibly (whereas they were restricted in the past to its original intent)–this refers to funds that support gifted & talented students, English language learners, math/science professional development, supporting new teachers, family & community initiatives, art & music . . .

I did a quick google search. Below is not an exhaustive list but gives you a sense of the great deal of programs that may be cut that will end up going to filling the budget deficit.

Targeted Instructional Improvement Block Grant
Adult Education
Regional Occupational Centers and Programs
School and Library Improvement Block Grant
Supplemental Instruction
Instructional Materials
Professional Development Block Grant Program
Supplemental School Counseling Program
Charter School Categorical Block Grant
Arts and Music Block Grant
Class Size Reduction – 9th Grade
School Safety Block Grant (8-12)
Pupil Retention Block Grant Program
CA High School Exit Exam-Instructional Support and Services
Math and Reading Professional Development
Gifted and Talented
Community Day Schools
Community -Based English Tutoring Program
Peer Assistance and Review
School Safety Competitive Grants
County Offices of Education – Fiscal Oversight
Teacher Mentoring
County Office of Education – Williams Audits
Principal Training Program
Child Oral Health Assessments
National Board Certification Incentives
Advanced Placement Programs
Bilingual Teacher Training
Reader Services for the Blind

By: Union Supporter-But

Union Supporter-But — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:39:14 +0000

A perfect example of some funding we do that have shown absolutely ZERO benefit is in primarily middle class schools having lower class sizes in grades K – 3. This feels good to have only 20 students in a class with one teacher but it does not affect learning at all and cost 33% more than standard 30 students per class classrooms.

The smaller class sizes do affect students who are living in poverty, and Black and Hispanic students in K – 3. But even though we have the evidence we don’t want to give it to “them” if we can’t give it to “us” too.

By: Katy Murphy

Katy Murphy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:20:19 +0000

Any examples come to mind?

By: Filly

Filly — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:17:48 +0000

duh

By: district employee

district employee — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:01:21 +0000

I think it’s interesting that one of the core justifications for eliminating the funding for the mandates are that “most schools do this anyway”. This is a pretty transparent attempt at unfunding a bunch of mandates that schools will have to continue to do anyway because we care about childrens’ well-being.