California Legislative and Funding Updates to Know for the 2024–25 School Year

California is engaged in a significant expansion of its career and technical education (CTE) programs, focusing on 21st-century skills. This initiative began in August 2023 when Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to develop the state's Master Plan on Career Education, which is due to be finalized by the end of 2024. The plan will identify opportunities for alignment and coordination across agencies supporting career education. Following the release, the governor and legislature will work on policy and funding measures to create a more organized and employer-connected education and training system. 

Golden State Pathways Program

In support of this initiative, California has allocated $470 million to 302 school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education to fund the Golden State Pathways Program (GSSP). This program aims to ensure that students can "advance seamlessly from high school to college and career," ultimately developing a workforce equipped to support economic growth. Of the total funding, $422 million was awarded to expand the implementation of existing college and career pathways, while the remaining $48 million will support schools planning new pathways in partnership with higher education institutions and other community partners.

For district leaders, these developments present a significant opportunity to enhance the educational landscape and better prepare students for future careers. One effective way to support the Golden State Pathways Program is by utilizing Edmentum's California CTE courses and specialized career pathways. With 39 California-specific career pathways, you can find alignment with GSSP's goal to promote pathways in technology, health care, education, and climate-related fields. Our flexible curricula empower educators with tools to deepen content knowledge and provide more hands-on time in the classroom.

Preparing for 2025–26: Ethnic Studies Requirement

Starting in the 2025–26 academic year, California public high schools will be required by law to teach ethnic studies, and students in the class of 2030 will need to pass a course on the subject to graduate. This mandate follows a law enacted in 2021 and aligns with the state's adoption of an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, which emphasizes the contributions of Asian, Black, Latino, and Native Americans in U.S. history. However, educators are not required to obtain a specific credential to teach this discipline, which may present challenges in ensuring that the curriculum is effectively and accurately taught. To address this, the state set aside $50 million for schools serving grades 9 to 12 to create or expand ethnic studies course offerings, including curriculum and instructional resources and professional development.

For ethnic studies course options, explore our new California Ethnic Studies course:

• California Ethnic Studies

For more information regarding these topics, you can find some of recent news stories below:

• California eyes master plan to transform career ed
• California releases $470 million to put students on track for college and career
• Soon, California educators must teach ethnic studies. UC Berkeley is helping them prepare. 

Changes to Attendance Recovery and Funding:

Attendance recovery programming 2025–26SY

Starting in the 2025–26 school year, schools will have more flexibility and oversight in their attendance recovery programs. SB 153, signed into law in 2024, introduced new regulations and flexibilities for how schools can implement these programs. Currently, schools in California receive funding based on average student attendance. To mitigate the financial impact of absenteeism, the state has historically allowed schools to recover up to five days of lost learning per student through expanded learning time on weekends.

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, California will expand this attendance recovery program, allowing schools to recover up to 10 days of attendance per student. Schools will also have the flexibility to offer attendance recovery programs before and after school, during holiday breaks, and on weekends.

The California Department of Education (CDE) will soon issue additional guidance. To learn more, check out CDE's accounting guidance, which was released earlier this year.

Looking ahead: Changes to funding formula

Currently, California is one of seven states that funds schools based on average daily attendance rather than total enrollment. This may change in the coming years, as Governor Newsom signed SB 98 in September 2024, which requires the Legislative Analyst's Office to study the potential effects of shifting to an enrollment-based funding formula and report back to the legislature by January 1, 2026. This report is only the first step toward informing potential legislation, meaning that any changes to the funding formula are still a few years away. With absenteeism rising both in California and nationwide, shifting away from attendance-based funding could significantly impact school budgets, potentially making funding more equitable.

For more information regarding these topics, you can find some recent news stories below:

• Trailer Bill Impacts: Attendance Recovery
• California Bill That Could Change School Funding Awaits Governor's Signature

Supporting Success for All California Students

Edmentum is committed to helping district leaders navigate these exciting changes and preparing students for a dynamic future. Together, we can shape an education system that equips every student with the skills and knowledge that are needed to thrive in the 21st century. 

Our comprehensive resources and innovative programs are designed to help districts implement the latest educational initiatives effectively. By partnering with Edmentum, you can ensure that your students receive the best possible education to prepare for college and career success.