Towards a Grand Vision: Early Implementation of California’s LCFF

A report written by Daniel C. Humphrey and Julia E. Koppich and released by SRI International emphasizes key areas of growth in our state’s education system, as LCFF and CCSS are implemented. Following are excerpts from the report, summarized in a recent EdSource article: “The LCAP process really pushed the emphasis on collaboration. We recognized that people were working in silos. And we had to change.” 

• Districts found it challenging to “[get] the metrics right” so that programs, services, and resource allocation are aligned with appropriate measures of progress.
• COEs are concerned about their capacity to continue to monitor and support districts effectively.
• Despite their willingness to engage their communities in the LCAP and budget development process, districts were challenged by limited resources, the lack of a civically engaged public, and a relatively short timeline.
• District leaders report that the LCFF has encouraged new forms of budget development that eliminate silos between fiscal managers, curriculum and instruction heads, and various program office leaders.