LCAP

In 2013 the California legislature altered the formula for funding K-12 education for the first time in decades. Under this new formula, known as the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), school districts and charter schools receive more funding for English Language Learner students, students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals, and foster youth. This new system is intended to direct more resources to schools with students who have the greatest needs. In addition to the new funding formula, this legislation also established an accountability measure called the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Each local education agency is required to create a LCAP that describes its strategy to increase pupil outcomes with regard to the 8 state priorities. Under LCFF, all charter schools in California are required to prepare a LCAP. A charter schools’ LCAP describes how they plan to use additional funds in order to meet annual goals for all pupils as well as for each individual subgroup of students, with specific activities to address identified state and local priorities, including: student achievement, student engagement, school climate, parental involvement, basic services, implementation of Common Core State Standards, course access, and other student outcomes. LCAPs are to be produced on an annual basis and given to authorizing districts and counties before July 1st of each year. Current LCAP documents can be downloaded below: