Publications & Reports
Through research and by exploring practices and policies that work and identifying those that don’t, we aim to provide the information and tools necessary to improve and maximize the educational experience for all students, TK through college. Our publications are diverse and intended for advocates, policymakers, educators, and even parents.
TK
Equitable access to early education is critical to improving long-term educational outcomes for students, especially those from under-resourced communities. At EdTrust-West, we work to uncover the layers of inequities in transitional kindergarten, from inequitable access to high-quality programs, to wage disparities for educators, and disproportionate discipline for young Black children. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to high-quality early learning opportunities, with focus on improving access to transitional kindergarten programs.
K-12 Education
At EdTrust-West, our work centers on identifying disparities within the K-12 education system, developing research-based policy and practice proposals to address these disparities, and advocating for evidence-based and innovative approaches and solutions. We’re committed to promoting equitable funding, improving educational standards and cultural relevance, strengthening supports for multilingual learners, and ensuring more students from marginalized communities are graduating from high school ready to enter the workforce or pursue higher education.
Higher Education
Higher education has never been more critical to economic opportunity and mobility, and our state’s colleges and universities at all levels can do much more to retain and graduate students from marginalized backgrounds. EdTrust-West is dedicated to eradicating barriers faced by students of color in higher education – ensuring equitable access to financial aid, expanding dual enrollment opportunities for Black, Latinx, and Native students, and addressing the racial inequities in remedial education.
English learners
English learners (also known as multilingual learners or emergent bilinguals) make up nearly one in five students in California public schools. Providing multilingual learners with the supports they need to develop English language skills and academic proficiency — while celebrating the cultural and linguistic assets they bring to school — is critical for ensuring equitable access and success. We’re working to develop research-based recommendations and tools that education systems can implement to support these learners — from early education through the college pipeline — and help cultivate their future success.

Hear My Voice II: Supporting Success for Parenting and Unhoused Women of Color
Women – who represent the majority of students enrolled in higher education – have shown remarkable examples of progress and persistence for decades. Even so, women of

Reimagine and Rebuild California Schools: Restarting School with Equity at the Center
COVID-19 and our nation’s reckoning on racial justice is calling on all of us—from state to local leaders, teachers, parents, students and advocates—to transform schools and

From Crisis to Opportunity: Recovering California’s Commitment to Equity
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes in California, education leaders are taking stock of student needs as they plan for the return of all students to in-person

Frequently Asked Questions: Governor Newsom’s Proposal on Local Education Agencies Confirmation of FAFSA or CADAA Applications
In January 2021, Governor Newsom put forth a budget proposal that would ensure all high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Education Equity in Crisis: How to Address Learning, Promotions, Transitions and Grades in Light of School and College Closures
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented education equity crisis in California. A year ago, education leaders at schools and colleges across the state closed their

California Parent Poll: COVID-19 and Early Childhood
Poll Results Show Parents of Young Children in California Continue to Struggle During the Pandemic & Support Public Investments Many California families have been struggling to

Data for the People Hub
As of 9/30/2022, the data included in this tool is under review and in the process of being updated. We encourage users to reference original data

Seen, Heard, Reflected: Building and Sustaining a Diverse STEM Teacher Pipeline
By 2022, California will have the largest share of the STEM workforce and jobs across the country. This leading tech workforce, however, is far from representative of the state’s diverse

Californians Deserve Credit: Recognizing All Learning to Help California Achieve Educational and Racial Equity
Imagine you are a 39-year-old single parent and early childhood educator of 20 years. One day, you learn that you lack the proper credentials. Even though

California Parent Poll: Fall 2020
New Statewide Poll of California Parents Finds Satisfaction with Distance Learning Has Declined Significantly Several weeks into the school year, parents are not finding distance learning

The Digital Divide in Higher Education
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a heavy toll academically, emotionally, and financially on college students across the state. Our spring 2020 poll of higher education students revealed that

Study Finds Affirmative Action Ban Hindered Equity Efforts in Community Colleges
Research from @edtrustwest and partners finds that 2.1 million students who attend California’s community colleges will greatly benefit if #Prop16 is passed, which provides a new opportunity to address structural

Education Equity on the Ballot: Advocacy Toolkit
Education equity is on the ballot this November, and we have a historic opportunity to advance racial justice in California with Propositions 15 and 16 –

From Crisis to Opportunity: Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan Checklist
The Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan provides an opportunity to ensure the students most deeply affected by school closures receive the support they need to thrive
EdTrust-West Recommendations to SPI Thurmond on Learning Continuity
Download Letter

State and Local Considerations for Addressing 5 Key Equity Challenges for 2020-21:
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes in California, education leaders are taking stock of student needs as they plan for the return of all students to in-person

Affirmative Action: Frequently Asked Questions
For over 25 years, Proposition 209 has prevented the state from taking active measures to prevent discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity. California legislators have a

Pandemic EBT
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be available for eligible California families soon! Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at

California College Student Grant
To support California college students through these unprecedented times, MAF has established the CA College Student Support Fund. Eligible students will receive a $500 grant to

COVID-19: Impact on Education Equity
As an education equity organization, Ed Trust recognizes that America’s most vulnerable students are at particular risk while schools are closed. So while school leaders, teachers,