Golden State Today

The California Department of Education has released the 2024 School Dashboard, showing improvements in student outcomes across various indicators. The data highlights a decline in chronic absenteeism and increases in graduation rates and academic achievements.

The chronic absenteeism rate fell to 20.4 percent for the 2023–24 school year, marking a significant decrease from previous years. This reduction is attributed to investments in initiatives like Community Schools and Mental Health Supports, as emphasized by Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom.

Graduation rates for the class of 2024 reached 86.4 percent, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Notably, more graduates now meet University of California/California State University admission requirements, with 51.4 percent eligible compared to last year's 50.4 percent.

A record number of students earned the State Seal of Biliteracy during the past academic year, indicating proficiency in multiple languages—a skill highlighted by Thurmond as essential for success in a global economy.

“Across California, we’re seeing that when we provide for the most vulnerable in our communities all students reap the rewards," said Thurmond. He acknowledged ongoing challenges but expressed optimism about continued progress.

California State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond echoed these sentiments: “Today’s Dashboard results show California continuing to make important strides in post-pandemic recovery.”

Improvements are also evident in differentiated assistance eligibility, with fewer districts requiring such support compared to last year. The focus remains on aiding Long-Term English Learners (LTELs), who are now included on the Dashboard.

New features include easier access to Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) due to Senate Bill 609 (Caballero). These plans enhance transparency regarding funding allocations aimed at improving student outcomes.

Significant investments have been made to boost public education funding, with $129.2 billion allocated through recent budget acts—the highest per-pupil state funding recorded.

More details can be found on the California Department of Education's Dashboard Toolkit web page.