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California
16th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California treads carefully on civics

California is expanding civics education as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, but teachers are doing so in a highly polarized environment. State leaders are moving to add civics to school accountability measures and promote anniversary-related lessons and activities. Educators said they are focusing less on political flashpoints and more on helping students understand the Constitution, practice respectful debate, and engage in their communities. Michelle Herczog said teachers are “treading lightly” as they try to keep classrooms open, thoughtful, and nonpartisan.

BLENDED LEARNING

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NATIONAL NEWS

Judge pauses admissions data order

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked a Trump administration policy requiring colleges to submit seven years of admissions data, including race, gender, test scores, and GPAs. Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV acted after 17 Democratic attorneys general argued the request was rushed, unlawful, and risked exposing sensitive student information. The administration said the data was needed to enforce the Supreme Court’s 2023 admissions ruling, while opponents said the policy is tied to a wider push against diversity initiatives.

STATE NEWS

California schools honored for excellence

The California Department of Education has announced the selection of 408 middle and high schools as honorees for the 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program. This initiative recognizes schools that significantly improve student achievement. "An excellent public education has the power to transform lives," said Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The program features three award categories: exemplary high achievers, achievement gap closers, and the new beacons of opportunity, which highlights schools serving rural and Title I communities. 

TECHNOLOGY

ABC USD weighs AI with caution

Mike Lawrence, director of information and technology at ABC USD, is leading the charge in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The district, which serves 18,000 students, has implemented guidelines for AI use, including a “transparency badge” system to indicate AI involvement in communications and student work. “There’s just been a long series of decisions that have to be made for the well-being of students,” Lawrence said. While some educators see AI as a means to enhance learning, others express concerns about its impact on critical thinking and student privacy. Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution noted that “families have not been brought to the table very much at all in this conversation.” The district continues to engage the community through quarterly discussions, seeking diverse perspectives on AI's role in education.

DISTRICTS

Pasadena schools escape consolidation fate

Pasadena USD's consolidation advisory committee voted on March 9 to remove several schools from consideration for closure amid declining enrollment and financial challenges. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said: “The Committee will continue its work through several additional rounds and, over time, will likely significantly narrow the number of school(s) to be considered for closure or consolidation.” The committee, consisting of 33 members, is working with Total School Solutions to evaluate schools based on various factors. While no schools are currently slated for closure, the district is facing a financial crisis due to a decade of declining enrollment, leading to cuts in positions and fiscal stabilization plans. 

Morro Bay takes big step forward

The Morro Bay City Council has voted unanimously to purchase the former Morro Elementary School site for $5.3m, marking a significant step towards community development. The city plans to deposit $500,000 from its general fund and will have until October 31 to finalize funding for the remaining $4.8m. San Luis Coastal USD officials are expected to review the purchase agreement on March 17.

GOVERNANCE

Empowering equity in education

Sharrone Blanck, the equity and inclusion learning specialist at the Humboldt County Office of Education, emphasizes the importance of equity in education as an ongoing process. "Equity in education is not a single program or initiative; it is an ongoing process of listening, learning, and adapting," she said. The office has implemented professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching, including sessions with educator Zaretta Hammond. Additionally, they have engaged in community listening sessions to gather insights from students and families, particularly from marginalized groups. The establishment of an Equity Team aims to review and improve internal processes to enhance inclusivity. 

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Paving pathways to careers

Pajaro Valley USD recently hosted the K-16 Health & Engineering Advising Summit in collaboration with Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, and Cal State Monterey Bay. The summit aimed to enhance "pathways from classroom learning to real careers," bringing together counselors, advisors, and industry partners to discuss preparing students for high-demand fields like health care and engineering. Heather Contreras, superintendent of Pajaro Valley USD, emphasized that "students shouldn't have to wait until college to figure out how their education connects to a career." The initiative also includes planning for new dual-enrollment pathways, allowing high school students to start college coursework. 

STUDENT SUPPORT

Support meets student needs early

At Jeeter Primary School in Opelika, Alabama, Teresa Williams, a student-behavior tutor, plays a crucial role in addressing students' unmet needs. By observing students during morning drop-off, she identifies those who may be struggling due to issues such as hunger or lack of sleep. Williams said: "For some children, a clean set of clothes, a 30-minute nap, and some breakfast can change the course of the day." Her proactive approach has contributed to a significant reduction in disciplinary referrals, with the number of days students spent at the Opelika Learning Center dropping from 206 in 2018 to just 14 in the 2023-24 school year.

INTERNATIONAL

Judge keeps teachers law intact

An Alberta judge has refused the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s request to temporarily suspend back-to-work legislation that ended a three-week strike in October. Justice Douglas Mah said the union raised a serious legal question about the province’s use of the notwithstanding clause, but failed to show teachers would face irreparable harm before the full case is heard. The ruling leaves the Back to School Act in force, including a strike ban until 2028, while the broader constitutional challenge is expected to proceed in September.
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