"First to Worst," Hewlett grantee John Merrow’s in-depth look at the dire state of California’s public schools, is scheduled to air on PBS stations nationwide beginning in February.

"First to Worst" illustrates how the passage of Proposition 13 combined with other factors to seriously weaken California’s public schools. Tours of overcrowded schools with leaky roofs in economically distressed areas contrast with the modern facilities of wealthier areas – facilities that are often the product of thousands of dollars of parental donations. As California struggles to regain its academic excellence, host John Merrow talks with experts about what went wrong and how it can be fixed. Click here for the broadcast schedule.

The Hewlett Foundation seeks to stimulate major improvements in the quality and equality of K-12 education in California, which is home to one of every eight American students. Click here for more information on the Hewlett Foundation’s Education Program.

To read Education Program Director Marshall Smith's recent editorial about California's public schools and "First to Worst" click here.