Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • topics
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Race and Equity
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Eclectic
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight With Vicki Gonzalez
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

California Is 1 Of Only 8 States Without A System To Track Students from Pre-K To The Workforce. Why?

  •  Nadine Sebai 
Thursday, December 6, 2018 | Sacramento, CA
Listen
/
Update RequiredTo play audio, update browser or Flash plugin.

Students work at PS7 Elementary in Sacramento.

 

California Governor-elect Gavin Newsom praised his “cradle-to-career” education plan throughout his campaign. One of his goals is to establish a data system that tracks kids from early childhood through college and into the workforce.

It's been a topic of conversation for more than a decade, yet a system still doesn't exist. California is one of only eight states without a data system that can help answer questions about how policy affects students in the long-run.

Hans Johnson, director of the Higher Education Center at the Public Policy Institute of California, moderated a panel last week on the issue. He says right now there’s no way to know how many University of California eligible students don’t go to those universities, or even how many don’t apply at all.

“I can't tell you how many end up at a community college. I can't tell you how many go out of state,” Johnson said. “I can't tell you how many don't go to college at all. [These are] basic fundamental questions.”

Colleen Moore, assistant director at EdInsights, an education research center, said the biggest barrier is the political will to implement the system.

“They're not technical,” Moore said. “There's plenty of people in this state who know how to do it.”

Natasha Collins, an assembly committee staffer who provides analysis on education spending, says there are some technical barriers around governance, student privacy, and security concerns. Unlike California, many states with integrated data systems have a governance body charged with monitoring and advising their systems.

Collins agrees, however, the current administration has been reluctant to engage in conversations about creating the data system despite researchers and educators pressing for one. Lawmakers introduced laws in the past to develop a data system, but they either got stuck in the Legislature or were vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

“Incoming Gov. Newsom has indicated on multiple forums his support for this comprehensive data system,” Collins said. “So it seems like this topic we've been talking about it for over a decade is ripe.”

Researchers estimate implementing the system could cost up to $10 million.

Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

Nadine Sebai

Former Temporary State Government Reporter

Nadine Sebai was Capital Public Radio’s temporary state government reporter. Nadine is also a co-editor of Local Matters, a weekly newsletter showcasing investigative and watchdog news stories from local publications across the country.  Read Full Bio 

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

A Sacramento voter guide for the 2022 primary elections

May 19, 2022

Michael A. Mariant / AP Photo

Five things to know about nuclear power in California

May 14, 2022

California 2022 primary voter FAQ

May 19, 2022

Most Viewed

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

With California budget surplus projected at $97 billion, Newsom proposes driver rebates, more reproductive health funding

California coronavirus updates: Biden announces a third round of free at-home COVID-19 testing kits

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

Downtown Sacramento shooting: What we know and latest updates

Top California Democrats in a stalemate over gas rebates

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla will appear on California’s June primary ballot twice. Here’s why.

With California budget surplus projected at $97 billion, Newsom proposes driver rebates, more reproductive health funding

California coronavirus updates: Biden announces a third round of free at-home COVID-19 testing kits

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Careers & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2022, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.