CA AB1661

Updates California Education Code cross-references to align with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), replacing references to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as previously amended.

Requires school districts and county offices of education to establish written parent and family engagement programs for schools receiving federal ESSA funds, including procedures for parent consultation, involvement in planning, staff training, and regular programming on curriculum and academic standards.

Modifies provisions related to foster youth educational rights, including requirements for educational liaisons to facilitate proper placement and enrollment, and allows foster children to remain in their school of origin during and after court jurisdiction.

Clarifies that school meal eligibility information can be disclosed to district employees for disaggregating academic achievement data and identifying pupils eligible for services under federal law, with strict confidentiality protections maintained.

Provides that no state reimbursement is required for mandates implementing federal law, but establishes that if the Commission on State Mandates finds additional state-mandated costs exist, reimbursement shall be made pursuant to state law.