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California Education Policy — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.16.3-5
D2.CIV.7.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This educational reading passage explores how decisions are made about what students learn in U.S. schools, focusing on the modern era and the state of California. It describes the roles of government, school boards, and teachers, highlighting how laws and community voices shape the curriculum. Real-life examples and a clear cause-and-effect structure help students understand the process. The passage features a glossary of key terms and is designed for foundational literacy development. The resource includes a Spanish translation and an engaging quiz to reinforce learning. This passage and its activities are aligned to standards D2.His.16.3-5, RI.4.3, and W.4.2, making it a perfect fit for classrooms seeking to meet history and ELA requirements. An included read aloud audio supports accessibility for all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An acrylic painting illustrating the various groups involved in creating school curriculum. — Artistic Representation of A visual representation of the different groups shaping student education in California.

California education policy is decided by the State Board of Education and local school boards. These groups work together to guide what students learn in schools across the state. Their decisions affect every classroom, from small towns to large cities.

The State Board of Education is a group of people chosen by the governor. They set the main curriculum and standards for all public schools in California. Curriculum means the subjects and lessons students must study, like math, science, reading, and history. Standards are the goals and skills students should learn at each grade level.

Local school boards are elected by people in each city or county. They decide how to use money from the state and local taxes. This money, called school funding, pays for teachers, books, and school buildings. Local boards can also add extra lessons or programs that fit their communities’ needs, like art or technology classes.

California’s education policy has changed over time. In the past, each town often made its own rules. Some schools had fewer books or teachers. This was not fair for all students. The State Board was created to make sure every student had a chance to learn the same important things. Now, both the state and local boards work together to give all students a good education.

Sometimes, people disagree about what should be taught in schools. For example, some parents and teachers may want more science or math. Others may want more art or sports. The boards listen to these ideas before making decisions. This helps schools meet the needs of many students.

School funding is always important. The state sends money to schools based on how many students are in each district. If a district has more students, it gets more money. Local taxes, like property tax, also help pay for schools. This system tries to make sure all students have what they need to learn.

Decisions about education policy are important because they affect what you learn every day. When boards make good decisions, students get more opportunities and can do better in life.

Interesting Fact: The California State Board of Education was created in 1921 to help make sure all students in the state get a fair education.

Who sets main rules for California schools?

State Board of EducationClassroom teachersParentsFederal government

What does curriculum mean?

Subjects and lessons in schoolSchool buildingsLunch menusClass sizes

When was the State Board created?

1921195020001870

Why do local boards listen to parents?

To meet student needsTo build new schoolsTo hire more teachersTo make lunch better

What happens if a district has more students?

Gets more moneyGets less moneyGets more books onlyGets fewer teachers

Why did the State Board start?