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California Assemblymember Marc Berman has reintroduced legislation, AB 887,  that would require all public high schools in the state to offer at least one computer science course by the 2029–30 school year. Despite years of investment and advocacy, only 52% of California high schools currently offer computer science—well behind the national average of 60% and far behind states like Arkansas and Nevada. Berman's previous attempts to mandate access failed in the Senate Appropriations Committee, largely over concerns about cost and a shortage of trained teachers. The Department of Finance opposes the bill, citing an estimated $50–$73m in ongoing implementation costs. Still, California has invested over $100m in computer science education since 2016, and advocates argue a mandate is the next step to close access gaps. The bill passed the Assembly Education Committee in March and now heads to Appropriations. It includes flexibility for small or rural schools, allowing computer science integration into other subjects if standalone courses are not feasible.

 

EdSource

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 200+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:

• An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  
• Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  
• Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  
• And more!

Download CTE Guide

 

A federal database that tracked domestic terrorism and school shootings has been dismantled by the Trump administration, K-12 Dive reports. Managed by the University of Maryland’s START program, the Terrorism and Targeted Violence Database was the first to study school-based attacks as domestic terrorism. Between 2023 and 2024, it recorded over 1,800 incidents, 400 of which involved U.S. schools, leading to 81 fatal attacks. Homeland security experts warn the move removes the only publicly available dataset offering critical insights to law enforcement, educators, and policymakers—potentially weakening national efforts to understand and prevent school-based violence.

 

EdSource

K-12 Dive

Joshua Ray, an educational leader and researcher, highlights the overwhelming pressures school principals face, often in isolation. Many leaders transition from strong teaching roles into leadership positions, only to encounter imposter syndrome, burnout, and mental and physical strain. Ray's survey of 500 school leaders in Arkansas revealed that 40% reported sleep deprivation and 86% lacked adequate exercise. Many skipped meals and sacrificed personal time. Despite the education sector valuing collaboration, leaders often operate alone, driven by unrealistic self-expectations and the myth that tireless effort equates to success. Ray urges a redefinition of effective leadership, advocating for shared leadership as a healthier, more sustainable model. He calls on educational communities to support leaders and promote balance, collaboration, and collective strength to retain and empower school leadership in the long term.

 

Education Week News

Data on K-12 superintendents was once limited, but new research is transforming how states support district leaders. Spearheaded by Rachel White at the University of Texas, national data now reveals tenure trends, demographics, and mentorship needs. In Texas, women now hold 25% of superintendent roles, up from 15% in 2008. Ohio used survey findings to strengthen mentorship for women, especially in finance and political navigation. Administrator associations are using this research to design better professional development and reduce turnover. The Superintendent Lab, led by White, is expanding this work to ensure superintendents are seen, supported, and set up for success.

 

Education Week News

Steubenville, Ohio, has emerged as a national model for reading success. Despite high poverty and low per-student funding, the district routinely posts third-grade reading proficiency rates above 95%. It’s achieved this through long-term consistency: using the same phonics-based program (Success for All) for 25 years, early preschool, and a community-wide focus on literacy. All teachers, including PE instructors, lead reading classes, and students are grouped by skill level. The emphasis is on active reading practice rather than silent reading. Though economic outcomes remain modest, Steubenville proves high achievement is possible with strategic, sustained efforts — not just more money.

 

The 74 (Online)

Dr. Diana Greene argues that reading reforms like the Science of Reading can’t succeed unless schools address systemic barriers facing Black students—poverty, trauma, chronic absenteeism, and lack of early literacy support. Nearly 40% of Black students attend high-poverty schools with limited resources. Greene calls for a holistic, equity-driven approach that includes family literacy, early intervention, and programs that promote joy in reading. “We keep looking for a silver bullet,” she says, “but the problem isn’t just instruction—it’s everything around it.” 

 

The Sacramento Observer

The Richmond City Council is expressing concern over the financial health of the West Contra Costa USD, which is facing a budget crisis and potential layoffs. Dr. Kim Moses, the interim superintendent, addressed the council's inquiries regarding the district's fiscal challenges during a recent meeting. The council is considering a partnership to help alleviate the district's financial strain.

 

Mercury News

Salinas UHSD is revising its facilities master plan, proposing a $100m cap to allocate $30m for contingencies. With only $130m available against a $546.3m project priority list, officials must prioritize projects like new classrooms and ADA improvements. Concerns have been raised by teachers and parents at El Sausal Middle School, which suffers from accessibility issues and deteriorating conditions. The district has historically received voter support for school bonds, totaling $472m since 2002, but El Sausal has received less than $7m. The next study session is scheduled for May, with hopes for a short-term plan approval before summer.

 

Monterey County Weekly

Three students from Temple City High School have been awarded over $1m in full-ride scholarships from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

 

SGV Tribune

Lathrop Elementary students embarked on a mission to spread kindness by creating handmade cards for children at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Initially aiming for 500 cards, they surpassed their goal by crafting 680 cards filled with messages of encouragement. Justin Ledezma, the classroom teacher, emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning, stating: "Social-emotional learning plays a vital role in elementary education, helping students develop empathy and kindness."

 

Manteca Bulletin

The 2025 Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association's music festival, hosted by West Ranch High School, celebrated over 1,400 student musicians from various schools.

 

Signalscv.com

First-time principals are stepping into leadership roles at a critical time for public education. Whether rising from assistant principal posts or entering from nontraditional backgrounds, leaders like Jesus Sandoval in Minnesota and Anthony Peddle and Alexandra Miller in Ohio are navigating student needs, teacher dynamics, and budget constraints amid federal education uncertainty. Sandoval, motivated by a desire to reach more students, emphasizes visibility and direct engagement. Peddle, promoted after a sudden retirement, balances teacher resistance and staff development while prioritizing work-life boundaries. Miller, a former teacher at her school, stresses relationship redefinition and inclusive decision-making, introducing teacher-led committees and feedback tools. All three principals highlight how leadership training can’t fully prepare one for the job’s realities—especially when managing veteran staff or navigating data systems. Their advice: listen, communicate clearly, and build trust.

 

Education Week News

California's public universities are grappling with significant infrastructure issues that hinder the learning environment for students and faculty. With a combined deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $17.4bn, the University of California and California State University systems face deteriorating facilities, including malfunctioning air conditioning and plumbing. Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget for 2025-26 lacks funding for necessary repairs, exacerbating the situation. The Legislative Analyst's Office has urged lawmakers to devise a long-term funding strategy to address these critical maintenance needs, as students and faculty continue to endure uncomfortable and unsafe conditions on campus.

 

Press Democrat

Research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has revealed a link between screen time in bed and sleep disruption among students. The study, which surveyed over 45,000 students aged 18-28, found that each additional hour of screen use correlates with a 63% increase in insomnia risk and a reduction of 24 minutes in sleep duration. Dr Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, the lead author, explained: "We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption." While the study highlights a correlation, it does not establish causation, indicating that further research is needed to understand the impact of screen use on sleep. 

 

BBC News

A principal in New South Wales, Australia, pulled off a masterful April Fools’ prank by convincing students they’d be required to complete a Year 13. Kylie Woods of Wollongong High School of Performing Arts told her Year 11 cohort they’d now graduate in 2027 due to a new education policy. The prank, coordinated with the NSW Department of Education, was delivered with hidden cameras rolling. When she revealed it was all a joke, the shocked students burst into relieved laughter. The prank has since been praised as one of the best school-based April Fools’ Day stunts in recent memory.

 

Student Edge