California State University: Center to Close Achievement Gaps.

Existing law establishes the segments of the postsecondary education systems in the state, including the California State University, which is administered by the Trustees of the California State University. This bill would, within one year of an appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or in another statute for this purpose, establish the Center to Close Achievement Gaps at a campus of the California State University to be chosen by the Chancellor of the California State University, or at the office of the chancellor, as specified. The bill would provide that the mission of the center is to provide resources and assistance to local educational agencies in order to eliminate gaps in academic achievement between subgroups of pupils of kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, as identified on the California School Dashboard, through professional preparation of educators throughout the California State University system and by serving as a resource for local educational agencies on strategies to close achievement gaps. The bill would require the center to operate in partnership with the State Department of Education, the State Board of Education, the California Collaborative for Education Excellence, specified county offices of education, and the University of California. On or before January 30 of the year following the first full year of operation of the center, and on or before January 30 annually thereafter, the bill would require the center to submit a report to the Legislature prepared by a third party evaluating the center, as specified.