California 2017-2018 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2820

Introduced
2/16/18  
Refer
3/8/18  
Refer
3/8/18  
Report Pass
4/4/18  
Report Pass
4/4/18  
Refer
4/5/18  
Report Pass
4/17/18  
Report Pass
4/17/18  
Refer
4/18/18  
Refer
4/18/18  
Report Pass
4/26/18  
Refer
4/26/18  
Refer
4/26/18  
Report Pass
5/9/18  
Report Pass
5/9/18  
Refer
5/10/18  
Refer
5/10/18  
Refer
5/16/18  
Refer
5/16/18  
Report Pass
5/25/18  
Report Pass
5/25/18  
Engrossed
5/30/18  
Refer
5/31/18  
Refer
5/31/18  
Refer
6/7/18  

Caption

School accountability: school conditions and climate surveys: technical design group.

Impact

The bill outlines a structured approach to encouraging meaningful stakeholder engagement by establishing the requirement that grant recipients conduct evaluations of their funded activities. This aims to ensure accountability not just in terms of financial expenditure, but also regarding the impact on students, families, and school communities. The initiative promotes a collaborative environment where schools and community members can continue to work together towards continuous improvement, leveraging state resources effectively to foster a positive educational atmosphere.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 2820, introduced by Assembly Member McCarty, aims to enhance school accountability through the establishment of the Community Engagement and School Climate for Continuous Improvement Initiative. This initiative is designed to fund grant programs that support schools and local educational agencies in improving conditions and climate within schools. The bill proposes competitive grants for school districts and charter schools, allowing applicants to request substantial funds ranging from $1,000,000 for large districts to smaller amounts tailored for smaller entities, to promote initiatives focused on community engagement and school climate assessment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 2820 seems largely supportive among educational stakeholders who recognize the need for improvement in school climate and community engagement. Proponents view this bill as essential for cultivating an environment where all stakeholders, including students, families, and teachers, feel valued and engaged. Meanwhile, some skepticism exists regarding the actual implementation of these initiatives and the capacity of smaller schools and districts to develop the required community engagement strategies effectively. Nonetheless, overall, the bill is seen as a progressive step towards enhancing school accountability in California.

Contention

While the bill is positioned positively, notable points of contention include concerns about the availability of funds and the sufficiency of resources needed for smaller educational entities to participate fully. The provision requiring a local contribution of matching funds also raises questions about equity and accessibility among districts of varying sizes. Furthermore, ensuring that the evaluations of school climate are genuinely reflective of community sentiment, without becoming a bureaucratic hurdle, remains a challenge highlighted during discussions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB728

School accountability: local control and accountability plans.

CA SB1182

Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools.

CA SB394

Master Plan for Healthy, Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Schools.

CA SB1477

School accountability: independent study, educational enrichment activities, oversight, and audit requirements.

CA SB609

Local control and accountability plans: California School Dashboard.

CA AB691

Inefficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems at schools: report.

CA SB253

Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act.

CA AB115

Arts and Music in Schools—Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act: local control and accountability plan electronic template.

CA SB115

Arts and Music in Schools—Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act: local control and accountability plan electronic template.

CA SB219

Greenhouse gases: climate corporate accountability: climate-related financial risk.

Similar Bills

CA AB1865

Education finance.

CA SB820

Education finance.

CA AB1509

Pupil instruction: State Board of Education: exam and course programs.

CA SB181

Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill.

CA AB181

Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill.

CA SB1171

Pupil instruction: Cambridge Assessment International Education programs.

CA AB99

School finance: education omnibus trailer bill.

CA AB114

Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill.