The most recent Census Bureau data reveals that of the $3.2 trillion in total expenditures by state and local governments in 2012, public education accounted for the highest percent at nearly 28 percent, California is home to what appears to be the most wasteful K-12 spenders. ... 11 of California’s 16 most-populated cities score in the bottom 25 of U.S. cities on standard tests. The worst performing cities have in common the very high percentages of households where English is not spoken as a first language. Research shows that the language barrier can have a disastrous effect on learning outcomes....
