Can the LCFF Improve Teaching and Learning for EL Students? A Review of the Emerging Research in California and Directions for Future Implementation

Unlike previous school finance policies, California’s new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) has the potential to more equitably distribute funding to public schools. Having only recently been implemented, the impact of this policy is still under examination. However, emerging research points to the shortcomings of the policy, including the lack of explicit focus on English learners (EL). Many of the limitations of the LCFF can be attributed to the lack of spending accountability and specific measurable outcomes in the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This article discusses remedies and recommendations for increased attention and accountability for EL students in future implementations of the LCFF and LCAP.