California receives the largest share of Title I funding in the nation ($1.2 billion in 2002), yet is at risk of losing these funds due to its violation of federal law. The state has failed to meet federal requirements for disadvantaged students, underfunded schools that serve the most needy children, failed to align standards and tests, and has shut nearly a million students out of statewide accountability efforts aimed at improving schools and learning.

In this report, the Citizens' Commission calls on the federal government to vigorously enforce the law and increase investment in public education by fully funding Title I to address the critical and largely unmet needs of the disadvantaged.

The report also presents a case study of the Fresno Unified School District, which indicates the difficult challenges school districts face as a result of shifting signals from the state capitol.

Complete Report (PDF)

The Citizens' Commission's Findings and Recommendations (PDF)