Summary

California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) has overhauled the state’s school finance system. It increases funding for all schools but directs the most resources to students with the greatest needs—low-income students, English language learners (ELLs), and foster youth. LCFF also gives districts more control over spending and requires parent and community involvement through Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs).

Findings

Research shows that many students prioritized by LCFF face mental and physical health challenges that create barriers to learning. Addressing these issues is essential to improving student achievement. One key challenge is exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which include abuse, neglect, family dysfunction, and exposure to violence.

• ACEs are common—a national survey found 80% of children had experienced at least one.
• The very students targeted by LCFF are at greatest risk for ACEs.
• ACEs impact mental health and behavior, leading to anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, withdrawal, poor concentration, and lower achievement.
• Students exposed to multiple ACEs are more likely to abuse substances, drop out of school, and struggle academically.

In addition to ACEs, other health issues affect learning:

• Asthma is the leading cause of school absences and impacts academic performance.
• Physical inactivity is higher among low-income children due to unsafe neighborhoods and lack of recreation spaces.
• Food insecurity affects 1 in 5 U.S. households with children, leading to poor nutrition, health problems, and lower academic success.
• Dental disease is the most common childhood health condition and disproportionately affects low-income children, impacting their health and learning.

Recommendations

With the right supports, students can overcome these challenges. Recommended strategies include:

• School-Based Mental Health Services: Comprehensive mental health care, case management, and violence prevention programs to address trauma and reduce classroom behavior issues.
• School Health Centers and Nurses: Provide care for asthma and chronic conditions that interfere with attendance and achievement.
• Nutrition Programs: In-classroom breakfast programs improve health, attendance, and academic performance.
• Physical Activity Programs: Free, safe recreational activities help students stay healthy and engaged in school.
• Asthma Management Programs: Policies, services, and education to reduce asthma-related absences and improve health.
• Dental Care Services: School-based sealant programs and on-site dental clinics reduce dental disease and its academic impacts.
• Restorative Justice: Alternative discipline strategies that promote accountability and reduce suspensions, improving school climate.
• Academic Resources: Programs that support academic success, such as early childhood education, expanded learning time, and services tailored to ELLs.
• Teacher Training: Equip teachers to understand and respond to students’ social-emotional needs and the specific challenges of foster youth and ELLs.
• Parent Engagement: Involve parents of low-income students, ELLs, and foster youth through accessible, community-based strategies.

The LCFF gives schools and communities a unique opportunity to address health barriers to learning. By including these supports in their LCAPs, districts can help students overcome adversity and achieve academic success.