Bill Text: CA AB104 | 2021-2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 104 (Prior Session Legislation)

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Pupil instruction: retention, grade changes, and exemptions.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-1)

Status: (Passed) 2021-07-01 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 41, Statutes of 2021. [AB104 Detail]

Download: California-2021-AB104-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2021–2022 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 104

Introduced by Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez

December 11, 2020

An act relating to pupil instruction.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 104, as introduced, Lorena Gonzalez. Pupil instruction: learning recovery opportunities.

Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools in the state, and authorizes local educational agencies throughout the state to operate schools and provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

This bill would express findings and declarations of the Legislature relating to the effect of the distance learning on pupil learning outcomes during the COVID-19 crisis. The bill would also express the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would provide learning recovery opportunities for pupils who have faced adverse learning circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NO Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) On March 4, 2020, a State of Emergency was declared by the Governor in response to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. On March 19, 2020, the Governor issued a Stay at Home Order to contain the spread of COVID-19, which resulted in unprecedented school closures across the state.

(2) As a result of the Stay at Home Order, many school districts have transitioned to distance learning models that are often reliant on online methods that require the use of electronic devices and internet access.

(3) According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 16 percent of school-aged children in California do not have any internet access at home, and 27 percent do not have a high-speed connection, meaning they rely on slower connections like dial-up or satellite. In addition, nearly 10 percent access the internet with a cellular data plan, which usually means slower speeds and suggests they are relying solely on a smartphone or tablet.

(4) According to the Pew Research Center, the lack of sufficient devices and the lack of reliable internet service increases the probability that pupils will not be able to complete their schoolwork, and increases the probability that pupils will become disengaged. In fact, there is evidence that finds pupils without access to a computer at home are less likely to graduate from high school when compared to those who do.

(5) According to a recent poll of California parents conducted by the Education-Trust West, low income parents in California are most likely to rate distance learning as unsuccessful compared to higher income parents.

(6) Inability to consistently engage with school, either because of insufficient technology or personal circumstances, results in pupil absenteeism. Evidence from Policy Analysis for California Education at Stanford University indicates absenteeism to most deeply affect academic and social outcomes for low-income and other disadvantaged pupils.

(7) Mounting evidence from various research organizations indicates the need for robust interventions to make up for lost learning time during the COVID-19 crisis, especially among our most vulnerable pupils.

(8) Additionally, given the unprecedented economic, social, and health impacts of COVID-19, many pupils may face added family responsibilities that detract from completing their education. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, caretaking for an ill family member, working to supplement the household income, and taking on childcare responsibilities.

(9) Therefore, it is imperative that the state make an effort to hold pupils harmless due to circumstances that are out of their control as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would provide learning recovery opportunities for pupils who have faced adverse learning circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.