California Gov. Schwarzenegger signs historic education reform legislation

The legislation ensures that California "can submit a highly competitive application for up to 700 million dollars in much needed funding for our schools by implementing historic and sweeping education reform measures to better California's education system," the governor said in a statement.

"Today is a truly historic day for children and parents throughout the state of California -- and for the future of our state's education system," said Schwarzenegger. "President Obama called for positive change across the nation and California's leaders answered that call. Working together we have passed sweeping education reforms to better our children's education, empower parents and make California highly competitive for much needed federal funding for our schools."

In addition to ensuring California's application for the federal funding, the signing of these legislative measures into law demonstrates California is ready to break away from the status-quo and work to truly improve education for students -- as envisioned by President Obama's Race to the Top initiative, Schwarzenegger said.

The reforms will change the culture of education in California by empowering parents to have a true voice in making choices for their children and ensuring their voices are heard at every level of their school district, according to the governor.