The California legislature required each school district to create a Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan (LCP) in 2020-21 describing how they intended to serve students, especially the most vulnerable. The Opportunity Institute, with support from the Parent Organization Network, reviewed the plans of 20 school districts, interviewed leaders in 3 districts about their LCPs and their pandemic response plans more generally, and spoke with other advocates and researchers who are closely studying LCPs to triangulate our findings and conclusions.
In two policy briefs, we offer insights on how well the LCP requirements and districts’ responses supported effective planning and family engagement. We also offer recommendations on what state and local leaders should start, continue, and stop doing to support effective planning, transparency, accountability, and meaningful family engagement.