What Educators Need to Know About Prop 28

Proposition 28 has the potential to significantly impact the education landscape in the state. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points that educators should be aware of and continually update as information becomes available

Funding

Prop 28 promises to allocate $933 Million to every K-12 public school through Local Education Agencies (LEAs). This annual funding has the potential to positively impact teaching materials, infrastructure, and professional development programs.

• Which schools will receive AMS funding? (Updated 1-24-24) Recipients include eligible public preschools, TK–12 public schools (including charter schools), and the State Special Schools (California School for the Blind, Fremont; California School for the Deaf, Fremont; and California School for the Deaf, Riverside).
• Which preschools will receive funding? (Updated 1-24-24)  Funding for preschools is limited to local educational agency (LEA)-based California state preschool programs and preschools for pupils with exceptional needs in an LEA. In accordance with statute, all funds will be apportioned to the LEA, which is required to allocate funds to eligible school sites in the amounts calculated by the California Department of Education (CDE).
• Funding allocated with an equity formula: 70% of funds will go to PK-12 public schools based on enrollment. 30% of funds go to public schools based on the share of economically disadvantaged students (aka Title I students).
• Funding per Student:  This increased funding approximates to $112 per student and an additional $85 per economically disadvantaged student. This change could enhance the learning experience and ensure that students receive the support they need. You can find an estimate for your school here.
• Expansion of Early Education Programs: Prop 28 encourages the expansion of early education programs, with a particular emphasis on pre-kindergarten education. By investing in early childhood education, the proposition aims to set students up for success from an early age.

Implications for Educators

There are requirements for exactly how the funding that is distributed to LEAs may be spent. The breakdown is as follows: 

• For LEAs with over 500 students: At least 80% of the funds are restricted for certificated or classified employees to provide arts education. 
• Up to 20% are for: arts education support, including training, supplies, materials, and arts educational partnership programs.
• Proposition 28 allocations are required to “supplement” funding for arts education programs: Funds need to increase current arts education spending and not replace existing expenditures.
  • “Supplement” means that schools and districts shall use the funds appropriated to increase funding of arts education programs and not to supplant existing funding.
  • In sum, if a school spends $100 on arts education this year, they are expected to spend $100 plus their proposition 28 allocation next year.

Along with this breakdown of where the funds must be spent, educators in California also need to be aware of the following updates made to Prop 28 and Teacher Credentials as of May 2023 budget:

• Teacher and School Counselor Residency Grant Program. Increasing per-candidate allocation to grantee local educational agencies
• Military Spouse Authorization. Authorizing the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a comparable California credential to any U.S. military servicemember or their spouse who possesses a valid out-of-state teaching or services credential
• Subject Matter Competence. Requiring the Commission to evaluate how transcript reviews can be conducted to assess basic skills and subject matter competence for teaching candidates to complete their credentialing requirements without the need to take state-mandated exams to prove competence.
• SB 549 – Teacher credentialing: out-of-state teachers: will expedite the teaching credential application process for teachers prepared in other states or territories outside California.
• AB 238 –  California Student Teacher Support Grant Program: will, contingent upon an appropriation of one-time funding, create a grant program to compensate student teachers to help alleviate financial stress at a critical time in the teacher preparation process.

Conclusion

Prop 28 presents an exciting opportunity for educators in California to benefit from increased funding and improved resources. By being aware of the implications of this proposition, educators can prepare themselves for the upcoming school year and make the most of the potential changes that lie ahead. As educators play a vital role in shaping the future, Proposition 28 offers a significant step towards enhancing the education system in California for administrators, teachers, and students.