First California School Law
The first California School Law was enacted, establishing the framework for public education and creating the office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
1851
1866
Establishment of the University of California
The Organic Act was signed, founding the University of California as a public university system to provide higher education to the state's residents.
1911
Compulsory Education Law
California passed a law requiring children aged 8 to 14 to attend school, marking a significant step in compulsory education policy.
1960
California Master Plan for Higher Education
The Master Plan was developed to coordinate the state's public higher education system, delineating roles for the University of California, California State University, and community colleges.
1971
Serrano v. Priest Decision
The California Supreme Court ruled that the state's public school financing system, which relied heavily on local property taxes, was unconstitutional due to disparities in funding between wealthy and poor districts.
1978
Proposition 13
Proposition 13 was passed, significantly reducing property taxes and impacting funding for public schools, leading to a shift in how education was financed in California.
1983
A Nation at Risk Report
Although a federal report, "A Nation at Risk" prompted California to re-evaluate and reform its education policies to address concerns about academic achievement and standards.
1992
Charter Schools Act
California passed the Charter Schools Act, allowing the establishment of charter schools to provide more educational choices and foster innovation within the public school system.
1998
Proposition 227
Proposition 227 was approved by voters, mandating that all public school instruction be conducted in English, effectively ending most bilingual education programs in California.
2001
No Child Left Behind Act
The federal No Child Left Behind Act was implemented, requiring California to adopt standardized testing and accountability measures to improve student performance.
2010
Adoption of Common Core Standards
California adopted the Common Core State Standards, aiming to provide a consistent and clear understanding of what students are expected to learn to better prepare them for college and careers.
2013
Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)
The LCFF was enacted to provide more equitable funding by directing resources to districts with higher numbers of low-income students, English learners, and foster youth.
2016
Proposition 58
Proposition 58 repealed parts of Proposition 227, allowing public schools to use bilingual education methods and giving parents more options for their children's language education.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
California implemented remote learning policies and provided resources to ensure educational continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing issues such as digital divide and student engagement.
2022
Universal Transitional Kindergarten
California began rolling out Universal Transitional Kindergarten, expanding early childhood education to all four-year-olds by 2025, aiming to improve school readiness and long-term academic success.
