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The 2025 California School Dashboard, released on November 13th, serves as a key tool in the state's accountability system, aiming for equitable outcomes among student groups. It displays up to eight performance indicators, including Chronic Absenteeism and Graduation Rate, using a color-coded system to indicate performance levels. "The Dashboard provides a public and transparent view of school performance," said Janice Lourenzo, director of school support for the Humboldt County Office of Education. The Dashboard has shown statewide improvement across nearly every indicator, with notable growth in Humboldt County schools like Scotia School and South Bay School. Ultimately, the Dashboard fosters awareness and encourages meaningful conversations about school performance.

 

Time-Standard

The National Defense Authorization Act includes a new provision banning smartphone use during school hours for K-12 students at Department of Defense-run schools on military bases. The bipartisan initiative, led by Sens Jim Banks (R-IN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), aims to improve educational outcomes and reduce distractions for over 65,000 students across 161 schools. The defense bill, titled the "Restoring Our Educational Focus on Children of U.S. Servicemembers at DoDEA," passed 77-20 in the Senate on Wednesday, and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Thursday. The Department of Defense has 30 days to issue implementation regulations, with medical and disability-related exceptions included.

 

ABC News

Conscious Content Media Inc., an education company teaching coding and literacy to children aged between two and 10, has filed for bankruptcy after rapid post-pandemic expansion failed to deliver sustained profitability. The firm, which saw a sales surge during Covid-19 lockdowns, struggled when demand returned to pre-2020 levels and plans to eliminate over half of its $205.5m debt under a restructuring proposal supported by noteholders. Its business lines include the reading app Homer, coding platform codeSpark, and subscription service Little Passports.

 

Bloomberg

According to a recent survey of career and technical education (CTE) educators, there is a growing interest among students in digital technology, information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. The survey revealed that 31% of CTE educators anticipate the introduction of a career pathway in these fields within the next five years, the highest expectation among all CTE subject areas. In contrast, only 20% expect the addition of a construction pathway. Pat Yongpradit, chief academic officer for Code.org, emphasized the importance of CTE in preparing students for immediate job opportunities, adding: "The CTE world is all about preparing kids for immediate jobs, not an amorphous future." Additionally, Jaycie Homer, a middle school CTE teacher in New Mexico, noted that AI skills are transferable across various sectors, enhancing students' employability.

 

Education Week News

Oakland USD has approved a $103m plan to maintain financial stability, which includes unspecified cuts and aims to increase attendance for additional revenue, as reported by the East Bay Times. The plan entails $12m in cuts to special education without a clear strategy for implementation. School administrators are tasked with making an additional $32m in cuts affecting library services, sports, and school clubs. The board meeting where these cuts were approved was described as dysfunctional, marked by infighting among members. Alysse Castro, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, warned that Oakland will “almost certainly” struggle to complete another school year without significant financial changes.

 

EdSource

Sacramento City USD is in a "crisis," according to Michael Fine, chief executive of California's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). The district faces a staggering $125m budget shortfall, raising concerns about financial insolvency and potential state takeover. "It's been a district in crisis for too long, suffering as a result," Fine said. The FCMAT report highlights issues such as deficit spending, leadership failures, and unmonitored contracts, urging the board to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration. Former board President Jasjit Singh emphasized the need for transparency and responsible financial management, likening the district's situation to personal finances: "If you have no money in your checking account, you cannot spend money." The board is under pressure to implement a solvency plan to avert state intervention.

 

EdSource

The Sacramento Bee

A Bloomberg Law investigation has identified at least 40 federal civil rights lawsuits since 2017 alleging that children were strip searched in U.S. schools, often over minor issues such as vaping, missing money, or suspected drug possession. The cases describe searches conducted by school staff and, in some instances, police officers, frequently without parental consent and sometimes involving students with disabilities or searches by staff of a different gender. Courts have repeatedly found such searches to be highly intrusive, with studies linking them to long-term psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, and reduced academic engagement. While Supreme Court precedent limits excessively intrusive searches, legal grey areas and qualified immunity have allowed the practice to persist. Several states, including Hawaii, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, have moved to ban or restrict strip searches in schools, and lawmakers in others are considering reforms, as advocates argue that student safety can be maintained without practices that traumatize children.

 

Bloomberg Law

A dispute has emerged in Tahoe-Truckee USD, located in Northern California, regarding the participation of transgender athletes in sports. The district has historically competed in the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) but faces pressure to comply with California law, which allows students to participate in teams that align with their gender identity. Superintendent Kerstin Kramer said: "No matter which authority we're complying with, we are leaving students behind." The California Department of Education has mandated that the district join the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) by the start of the next school year. The situation has been complicated by a recent NIAA policy requiring athletes to compete based on their sex assigned at birth. The district is currently drafting a plan to transition to CIF by the 2028-2029 school year, but faces challenges related to travel and safety in inclement weather.

 

U.S. News

Press Democrat reports on Valley of the Moon Nursery School, founded in 1954 - a small, independent preschool in Sonoma that emphasizes a play-based, developmentally focused curriculum in a historic, community-oriented setting. Despite challenges from the expansion of free transitional kindergarten programs in the area, the school maintains small class sizes, fosters social-emotional growth, and provides scholarships and grants to support families. Amanda Barnett-Petersen, who serves as the director and a teacher at the school, comments: "Families who enroll with us often tell us they value the close-knit community that Valley of the Moon offers."

 

Press Democrat

A first-grade classroom in Napa demonstrates the impact of the Toolbox Project, a social-emotional curriculum developed in rural Sonoma County 25 years ago. This program is now implemented in all 16 elementary schools within the Napa Valley USD, helping children worldwide manage frustration, stress, and conflict. Mindy Banuelos, a first-grade teacher at Pueblo Vista Elementary, observes her students as they draw their "safe places," a key component of the curriculum. The Toolbox Project aims to equip children with essential emotional skills for navigating life's challenges.

 

Mercury News

In the Inland Empire, school cafeterias are transforming their menus to reflect the diverse cultures of their student populations. With over 80% of students in Riverside County being students of color, schools are introducing authentic dishes like pozole and teriyaki bowls. Adriana Lopez, Menifee schools' director of nutrition services, emphasized the importance of culturally relevant meals, stating, “Culturally relevant meals affirm identity and belonging, promoting nutritional equity.” Programs like the “Global Flavors” initiative allow students to explore various cuisines while learning about nutrition. The goal is to create a cafeteria environment that fosters a sense of belonging and pride in cultural heritage, ultimately supporting healthy eating habits among students.

 

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

St. Hope Public Schools is facing significant challenges as it navigates a tense relationship with the Sacramento City USD (SCUSD). Interim Superintendent Elisha Ferguson Parsons addressed the SCUSD board regarding a draft agreement that aims to ensure the charter school operates responsibly over the next five years. Despite “meaningful movement in compliance and transparency,” district staff expressed concerns about the need for a serious root-cause analysis to address ongoing issues. High teacher turnover, with 70% of staff lost since November 2024, and low credential rates are critical issues. The district is also troubled by delayed investigations into allegations against a football coach and a fiscal audit. The SCUSD board is set to vote on the memorandum of understanding that will define the working relationship between the district and St. Hope Schools, which has been under scrutiny for various violations.

 

The Sacramento Bee

New international student enrollment at U.S. colleges declined by 17% between fall 2024 and 2025, according to the Institute of International Education's (IIE) "Fall 2025 Snapshot on International Student Enrollment" report. This decline is attributed to challenges such as visa application difficulties and travel restrictions, with 57% of institutions reporting decreased new enrollments. Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation, and learning at IIE, stated: "We look forward to the publication of the 2026 Spring Snapshot when we will get our next glimpse at the evolving landscape of international students in the U.S." The decline equates to an estimated $1.1bn in lost revenue and approximately 23,000 fewer jobs. While some colleges reported increases in international enrollment, the overall trend poses significant challenges for institutions, prompting a shift towards domestic recruitment strategies.

 

U.S. News

The New Zealand Ministry of Education is introducing a limited, one-off financial support scheme in January to help schools facing substantial costs from cleaning up asbestos-contaminated play sand. Schools have been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on removing and replacing affected materials such as carpets, curtains, and furniture. One Auckland principal, whose school faces an estimated NZ$90,000 ($51,716) bill, has welcomed the scheme but expressed frustration at the lack of clarity around funding amounts and eligibility. To be considered, schools had to complete a survey outlining their financial needs by December 17. However, only those "experiencing financial difficulty" will qualify for reimbursement of asbestos testing costs, which has drawn criticism from affected principals. The ministry has yet to confirm the total funding pool or how it will be distributed, leaving many schools uncertain heading into the summer break.

 

RNZ