New requirements for admission to California State University (CSU) have led to increased pressure on high schools to improve their academic offerings. This, combined with increased funding, has resulted in marked improvements, including more academic course sections and enrollments in college preparatory courses. The pressure for change and higher expectations have been consistent across multiple sources, resulting in a more coherent pattern of academic coursework in California high schools.

The California Senate Office of Research has commissioned PACE to investigate how to expand public school programs to reduce dropout rates for high-risk students, particularly pregnant and parenting adolescents. The study involves examining secondary sources, conducting surveys of junior and senior high schools, unified and high school districts, and assessing implementation costs. The project is funded in part by the National Conference of State Legislators and the United States Office of Educational Research and Improvement.

California invests heavily in high school vocational education, but it does not effectively prepare students for the labor market. To improve outcomes, vocational education should teach problem-solving and teamwork, integrate with academics, and focus on continual learning. ROC/ROPs should continue to provide job skills training, but prioritize competence over job placement in evaluation.