Join Getting Down to Facts III researchers for a closer look at the evidence from this landmark independent study of California’s education system. Drawing on 55 technical reports and 22 research briefs from researchers across the country, each webinar will examine a critical area of California education highlighting what the research tells us, where challenges and opportunities remain, and what the findings mean for policy and practice.
What You’ll Gain:
- A Clear Synthesis of the Evidence: Understand the most important findings on each topic.
- Insights Directly from Researchers: Hear researchers explain their findings, put them in context, and discuss what the evidence does and does not tell us.
- Implications for California: Explore how the findings relate to decisions facing state and local leaders and educators today.
- A Chance to Engage: Ask questions and hear researchers discuss connections across studies and perspectives.
Weekly Session Schedule
All sessions run from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PT. Attendees can choose to register for one or more of the following sessions:
Sep 3, 2026 | School Finance & District Dollars
Explore what the latest Getting Down to Facts III research reveals about how California funds its schools and the fiscal pressures shaping the choices ahead. Researchers will discuss funding adequacy and equity, rising costs, facilities funding, and the state’s long-term fiscal outlook.
Speakers:
- Paul Bruno*, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Cory Koedel*, University of Missouri
- Jonathan Kaplan*, Learning Policy Institute
- Nancy Waymack*, Stanford University (Moderator)
Sep 10, 2026 | Deconstructing School Governance
Explore how California’s system of state and local governance shapes the capacity of schools and districts to improve student outcomes. Researchers will examine what Getting Down to Facts III research tells us about accountability, local decision-making, and the supports districts need to turn policy into effective practice.
Speakers:
- Lisa Towne*, Independent consultant
- Tye Ripma*, Stanford University
- Jason Willis*, University of the Pacific and WestEd
- Jeannie Myung*, Stanford University (Moderator)
Sep 17, 2026 | Reimagining the Educator Workforce
California’s ability to improve student outcomes depends on attracting, developing, and retaining a strong educator workforce. Explore what Getting Down to Facts III research finds about the state of the teacher and school leader workforce, the factors shaping recruitment and retention, and opportunities to strengthen the systems that support educators throughout their careers.
Speakers:
- Maya Kaul*, University of Pennsylvania
- Susan Patrick*, Learning Policy Institute
- Thomas Smith*, University of California, Davis
Sep 24, 2026 | Supporting Multilingual Learners
California’s multilingual learners make up a significant share of the state’s students, yet their educational experiences and outcomes vary considerably across schools and communities. Explore what Getting Down to Facts III research tells us about how California identifies and serves multilingual learners, the opportunities and barriers they encounter, and how policies and practices including those around reclassification and teacher certification can better support their learning and success.
Speakers:
- Lucrecia Santibañez*, University of California, Los Angeles
- Ilana Umansky*, University of Oregon
- Alfredo Artiles*, Stanford University
Oct 1, 2026 | Overcoming Special Education Hurdles
Explore what Getting Down to Facts III research tells us about how the state identifies and serves students with disabilities, how special education connects with the broader education system, and opportunities to improve services and outcomes for students.
Speakers:
- Lindsey Kaler*, Brown University
- Elizabeth Kozleski, Stanford University
- Tye Ripma*, Stanford University
- Michaela Krug O'Neill*, University of Michigan (Moderator)
* confirmed speakers.
