Lance Christensen, Vice President of Education Policy and Government Relations at the California Policy Center, recently asserted that California legislators are deliberately mishandling education policy, leading to a lack of academic progress. In a social media post, Christensen stated, "I've come to the conclusion that CA legislators continue to fumble over education policy on purpose. Here are 2 pieces I wrote in 2021 for the @SacBeeEditBoard & @SoCalOpinion. Zero academic improvement." His remarks underscore a long-standing critique of the state's educational system and its outcomes.
Christensen, a prominent advocate for parental involvement and school choice, has consistently voiced concerns about the state of California's K-12 education. He previously ran for California Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2022, campaigning on a platform that emphasized greater accountability for school districts and empowering parents in educational decisions. His work at the California Policy Center, a conservative think tank, focuses on promoting educational opportunities and choice for students across the state.
Recent data on California's K-12 academic performance largely corroborates the sentiment of stagnation. Post-pandemic assessments have revealed significant declines in proficiency rates for both English Language Arts and Mathematics. For instance, results from California's 2022 Smarter Balanced Assessments showed a 4 percentage point drop in English Language Arts proficiency and a 5 percentage point drop in math proficiency compared to 2019 levels. Chronic absenteeism rates also surged, reaching historical highs in many districts.
The 2021 articles Christensen referenced, including one published in the Orange County Register (part of the Southern California News Group, which includes "SoCalOpinion"), echoed his current criticisms. In that piece, he argued that state officials were prioritizing political agendas over student needs, leading to a "fumbling" of education policy. He emphasized the critical need for parents to "assume control over their kids' education," a call he reiterated in his recent tweet.
Christensen's ongoing advocacy reflects a broader movement pushing for increased parental authority and choice within the public education system. This perspective suggests that direct parental engagement and alternative educational pathways are essential to reversing academic declines and fostering genuine improvement in California's schools. The debate over legislative effectiveness and academic outcomes continues to be a central issue for students, parents, and policymakers alike.