A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California reveals that less than half of Californians believe the state’s K-12 public education system is on the right track. The study, released on April 17,  shows a decline in positive sentiment compared to previous years.

According to Mark Baldassare, PPIC Statewide Survey director, “Forty-five percent of Californians think that the state’s K–12 public education system is headed in the right direction.” This figure is down from 57% in April 2022.

Declining Confidence in K-12 System

The survey also found that 50% of Californians believe the K-12 system needs major changes, while 49% think the quality of education has worsened in recent years.

Views on state leadership in education are divided. Approximately half of adults approve of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handling of K-12 education, with similar approval ratings for the California Legislature and State Superintendent Tony Thurmond.

Views on Federal Policy and Immigration Also Surveyed

President Donald Trump’s executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education faces strong opposition, with 71% of Californians against it. The issue shows a significant partisan divide, with Democrats and independents more likely to oppose the closure than Republicans.

Immigration enforcement in schools is a major concern for Californians. Two-thirds of adults are worried about increased federal immigration enforcement efforts affecting undocumented students and their families. A majority also support their local school districts becoming sanctuary “safe zones.”

Related Story: How Do High Schoolers Really Fare After Graduation? A New California Tool Lets You Know

Other Education Issues and Funding Concerns

On other issues, 65% of adults support requiring transgender athletes to compete on teams matching their assigned sex at birth. Most Californians believe their local schools are doing a good job preparing students for college, the workforce, and civic engagement.

The survey also touched on school funding, with 48% of adults saying current state funding for local public schools is insufficient. Many are concerned about declining enrollment affecting school funding.

Read more at Public Policy Institute of California