The reports and tools below are available for public use. Please credit CFJ or the appropriate source when using.
A ground breaking new study by a group of researchers from USC and UCLA’s Institute for Democracy, Action, and Access (IDEA). This study found that “Young people who participated in Californians for Justice while in high school are far more likely than their peers to have moved on to four-year colleges and universities and far more likely to participate in civic life.” In addition to winning policies and organizing in schools and communities, CFJ has created a powerful learning environment that shapes the trajectories of young people’s lives. We are proud of all our alumni and the caliber of civic leaders that they become once they leave here.
No Knowledge, No College: Oakland High Students Rising to the Challenge. 2011
From September 2010 to February 2011, CFJ students collected 500 surveys and conducted one-on-one interviews with students, parents, teachers and counselors. The survey was designed to look at the following: the frequency and quality of student-counselor interactions, students’ knowledge of the A-G requirements, perceived obstacles for going to college, the role of peer-to-peer counseling, and the effectiveness of the Advisory Class. The survey also tracked race, gender and graduation class. Through this report, CFJ student leaders aim to identify concrete solutions that can improve college and career readiness at Oakland High.
Now That We Have the Facts California Parents and Students Voice Their Demands for Public Education. 2007
Californians for Justice joined together with PICO California, California ACORN and Public Advocates to release the first statewide survey capturing parent and student voices from low- and middle-income neighborhoods, articulating their priorities for public education reform. The study, based on the responses of 5,600 adults and young people across California from San Diego to rural Colusa County, makes it clear that parents and students expect their elected officials to begin now to enact the funding and policy changes that will enable all students to obtain the quality education they need and deserve.
The ABCs of Justice Students and Parents fighting for racial justice in California schools. 2004
This report documents the first four years of CFJ’s work to win quality school conditions for all students in California schools. From how CFJ developed it’s education focus to the campaigns led by CFJ members across the state and the techniques used to win, the report covers the range of work that our members have accomplished.
First Things First Why we must stop punishing students and fix California’s schools. 2003
First Things First is a report on school inequality and the impact of the California High School Exit Exam. The report examines the failures of the California educational system, how the Exit Exam is failing its own goals and guidelines, and how the exam violates civil rights law and assessment principles.
Eyes On Education: A Proposal for East Side Union High Schools. 2002
Californians for Justice students and staff conducted research with over 1,000 ESUHSD students and with many East Side Union district staff. This report summarizes what we learned about three main issues: clearing the path to college, teachers’ multicultural competency, language access and diversity. We have found evidence of major disparities and inequalities for students of color on the East Side. This report includes both our findings and our recommendations for racial justice in district policy.
Youth Workshops, Toolkits, and Curriculum.
Rising Expectations for Higher Education: College Access Campaign Toolkit
Californians for Justice has compiled workshops, organizing tools, survey templates and other resources that were used to wage our recent local campaigns to improve college access, particularly our Long Beach campaign. This toolkit is a valuable source of information for students and adult allies who want to improve access to higher education in your schools, districts and communities.