Closing the Opportunity Gap for Foster Youth Through School Finance Reform: An Implementation-Inquiry in California

• In Event: The Role of Funding in Supporting Equitable School Reform Policies

Abstract

Little to no research is currently available that specifies how K-12 school districts support school-aged foster youth. This research will highlight the challenges of California policy implementation from practitioners who strive to meet new legislative mandates for students in foster care. In addition, this research seeks to formally identify critical supports that contribute to the educational success of students in foster care within the K-12 school system. An analysis of implementation efforts is examined through school local accountability plans and data from interviews and focus groups with superintendents, administrators, teachers, school counselors and social workers to uncover what districts are doing to comply with California mandates related to students in foster care, as set forth in the LCFF legislation.

Authors

• Lorri M. Capizzi, San José State University

• Brent Duckor, San José State University