The Education Trust—West Data & Policy Department works in partnership with policymakers, advocates, and community groups to advance the development and implementation of policies that improve the educational outcomes for all of California’s students – especially those low-income students and students of color who have traditionally been underserved by the public school system.
We engage in a wide range of policy issues including accountability systems, assessments and standards, teacher quality and data systems. We are driven by a commitment to high-expectations for all students and work relentlessly to close the wide and pervasive achievement gaps that plague our students and our schools.
We engage in the following strategies:
Act as a Watchdog: The Education Trust—West shines a spotlight on policies affecting public schools, especially when those policies do not serve the interests of California’s most vulnerable students.
Promote High-Expectations for All Students: California has a set of rigorous academic standards that students must master to be prepared for the demands of college and career. We work to make sure our students have access to instruction that covers these standards, as well as, resources and supports so students can meet them. We advocate for the successful access and success in the state’s college-preparatory curriculum known as A-G for all students. Because we recognize that in the 21st century economy ready for work and ready for college really do mean the same thing.
Ensure that Schools Are Provided with the Resources They Need to be Successful: Mountains of research tell us that teachers are the single most important factor in the classroom to a student’s educational success and yet we continue to shortchange our students by disproportionately placing teachers with the least experience, out-of-field, or lacking a clear credential in our neediest schools. California has yet to develop a system that allows for the equitable distribution of this vital resource. In addition, the amount of money spent on teachers varies greatly between schools – even within the same school district – thus we not only cheat our students out of quality, effective teachers, but the financial supports they need as well.
Advocate for Accessible and Transparent Data on Students and Teachers: Gaps in the collection, quality, and accessibility of data leave far too many questions about what happens as our students as they journey through our schools. We cannot understand how students learn over time or what interventions and supports improve educational outcomes and success because we lack a statewide longitudinal data system that can manage those data. The Education Trust-West supports efforts currently underway to implement high-quality longitudinal student and teacher data systems.
