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California
14th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Reading crisis deepens for students

The U.S. is facing a significant reading crisis, with a new study revealing minimal progress in reading skills among students across most states. Researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth analyzed test scores from over 5,000 school districts and found that only five states, plus the District of Columbia, showed meaningful growth in reading from 2022 to 2025. "The pandemic was the mudslide that had followed seven years of steady erosion in achievement," said Thomas Kane, a Harvard professor involved in the study. However, California's Los Angeles Unified, Compton, and Modesto districts have emerged as bright spots, implementing phonics-based instruction and targeted support for struggling readers. Despite these successes, many students remain behind pre-pandemic levels, with California students about a third of a year behind in reading. The study highlights the need for effective teaching methods to address the ongoing reading recession.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Prepare Your Students for Their Future, Today

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide provides school leaders with the tools needed to elevate CTE, from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists.

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!
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STATE NEWS

Finding the right mix in science education

In California, only 34% of students met or exceeded standards on the 2024-25 statewide science test, highlighting significant disparities among various demographics. Veteran educator Bill Conrad discusses the tension between project-based learning and direct instruction in science education. He says that while project-based learning fosters engagement and collaboration, it can be resource-intensive and requires expert teacher preparation. Conversely, Conrad adds that direct instruction is efficient and ensures mastery but may limit student autonomy. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aim to integrate both approaches, yet implementation remains uneven, particularly in low-income districts. Conrad emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, suggesting that teachers start with direct instruction to build foundational knowledge before transitioning to inquiry-based projects. "Direct instruction gives students a map; project-based science offers the journey," he states, advocating for a synergistic relationship between the two methods to enhance student learning.

Money can't buy academic success

California's public schools have seen significant increases in funding, yet academic achievement remains stagnant. Despite a $10,000 per pupil increase during Gov. Gavin Newsom's tenure, many students still struggle with basic skills. Dan Walters, a CalMatters columnist, emphasized: "We shouldn't kid ourselves … that spending more will automatically increase achievement." The Education Law Center's recent report shows California's spending at $19,894 per pupil, ranking 13th nationally. However, comparisons with states like New York and Idaho reveal that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. As enrollment declines and local districts face financial challenges, the question remains: Is money the key to improving education?

California veterans could see tax relief

California's Assembly Bill 2022 aims to expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, offering 50% relief or full exemptions for those earning under $40,000 annually. While the bill has garnered support from veteran groups and Realtors, concerns arise regarding its impact on school funding and potential legal challenges related to Proposition 13. The legislation would sunset in 2032 for review. Currently, California has two property tax exemptions for fully disabled veterans, but experts like Patrick Murphy question the bill's effectiveness in addressing veteran homelessness. The bill is backed by organizations such as the American Legion and the California Assn. of Realtors.

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration expands IDEA funding

The U.S. Department of Education will distribute an additional $144m in federal IDEA funding to states and local governments to support special education and early intervention services, marking what the Trump administration described as a significant expansion of resources for students with disabilities and their families. The funding includes approximately $123.6m for IDEA Part B programs, which support children and young adults aged three to 21, alongside $20.5m for IDEA Part C early intervention services for infants and toddlers through age two. The grants will be allocated through formula funding later this year. Federal officials said the money comes from non-expiring funds previously returned to the department in recent years. The announcement comes as educators and advocacy groups continue to warn that IDEA funding has failed to keep pace with rising numbers of eligible students and increasing service costs. The Education Department also introduced new guidance allowing states, for the first time, to use IDEA Part C funding to support expectant parents whose unborn children are likely to qualify for disability services after birth. The Council for Exceptional Children has welcomed the additional investment and called on Congress to provide broader long-term increases in IDEA funding.

AAP's fresh take on school recess

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released updated guidance to enhance recess access in schools, addressing the alarming trend of reduced playtime. Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author, emphasized the importance of recess, stating: “Breaks offer an opportunity for students to manage stress and promote prosocial development, a universal benefit for all ages.” With up to 40% of school districts cutting recess, the AAP recommends at least 20 minutes of daily play and encourages student involvement in planning recess activities. The guidance also advocates for a ‘Recess Before Lunch’ policy to ensure students have adequate time to eat. Furthermore, the report highlights recess as a tool to combat childhood obesity, which affects about one in five children in the U.S. Notably, a 2024 California law mandates 30 minutes of outdoor recess daily and prohibits withholding recess as punishment, although implementation remains inconsistent.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

After-school sports help to fuel young minds

Participation in after-school sports significantly benefits children's cognitive, mental, and physical health, according to a study published in the journal Exercise, Sports and Movement. Senior researcher Nicole Logan, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island, stated: "We show that children and teens who participated in after-school sports consistently demonstrated better psychological and physical health outcomes than those who didn't." The study analyzed data from 782 children and teenagers in the New York City area, revealing that those involved in sports exhibited improved planning, organization, language comprehension, academic performance, and physical health metrics. Logan emphasized the importance of equitable access to sports, noting that "even after controlling for socio-demographic determinants of physical activity, we still observed widespread benefits." The American College of Sports Medicine recognized this study as a 2025 Paper of the Year for its scientific rigor and societal relevance.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash for Merced County superintendent

At a recent forum, three candidates for the Merced County Superintendent of Schools position highlighted their extensive experience in education. Ana Boyenga, Richard Lopez, and Paula Heupel are competing for the role, which will be on the June 2 primary election ballot due to incumbent Steve Tietjen not seeking re-election. Boyenga emphasized her background as a first-generation immigrant and her experience in a large school district, stating: "I am from a large district with nearly 5,000 students." Heupel, who has held various educational roles, mentioned her collaborative approach, saying, "It’s never ‘me’ – it’s ‘we’ – and that creates sustainability." Lopez focused on the need for visibility and support for rural districts, asserting: "I’m going to be that person that’s going to be there." The candidates also discussed addressing budget concerns and special education needs, aiming to enhance the educational landscape in Merced County.

DISTRICTS

Revamping music education for kids

Santa Monica-Malibu USD is reviewing its elementary music program to enhance access and improve instructional sequencing. The draft proposal aims to expand music education for students in Transitional Kindergarten through second grade while maintaining existing programs for older students. Dr. Jim Wang, the district's visual and performing arts coordinator, said: "As we continue this work, I want to be clear that we do not yet have a final plan." The proposal emphasizes early, foundational instruction from credentialed teachers and aims to increase student confidence and long-term participation in music. Angela Woo, director of instrumental music at John Adams Middle School, noted the commitment of secondary school music teachers to support the program's foundations. Community feedback has been largely supportive, with concerns about program changes being addressed through ongoing discussions.

LEGAL

Palo Alto USD wins lawsuit

A jury has ruled that Palo Alto USD is not liable in a lawsuit filed by former robotics teacher Kathy Krier. Krier alleged that students vandalized her gay pride flag and car, and that parents opposed her efforts to diversify the team. She claimed discrimination and a hostile work environment, stating she felt compelled to resign. The case dates back to the 2018 school year when she began her role at Palo Alto High School.

TECHNOLOGY

School districts resist parent efforts to opt children out of classroom devices

Parents nationwide are expressing concerns about excessive screen time in schools, advocating for a return to traditional learning methods using pencils and paper. In Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania, over six hundred parents signed a petition to allow students to opt out of using digital devices during the school day. However, the Lower Merion School District maintains that technology is essential to the curriculum, with board member Anna Shurak stating: "There is not an option for us to not have technology in schools." The debate reflects a broader national trend, with at least fourteen states proposing laws to limit screen time in educational settings. While parents acknowledge the importance of teaching responsible technology use, they are increasingly questioning the dominance of digital tools in the classroom. Superintendent Frank Ranelli emphasized the district's commitment to listening to community concerns, noting that they have already made changes, such as blocking certain websites flagged by parents.

NUTRITION

Schools brace for higher costs as MAHA nutrition standards reach cafeterias

School districts across the U.S. are preparing for potential changes to cafeteria menus after the Trump administration introduced new dietary guidelines tied to the Make America Healthy Again, or MAHA, initiative. The updated standards, championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., encourage Americans to avoid highly processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense proteins, changes that are expected to eventually influence federal school meal requirements. Nutrition directors and education advocates said the shift could significantly increase costs for schools that already operate on tight budgets. Many cafeterias currently rely on processed, premade foods because they are cheaper, easier to prepare, and require less labor. Transitioning toward more fresh, scratch-cooked meals would require additional funding, kitchen upgrades, and more skilled staff. School nutrition experts said protein is already the most expensive part of a school meal, while federal reimbursement rates remain insufficient to cover rising labor, utility, and food costs. Many districts are also facing the loss of federal programs that helped schools purchase food from local farmers, including the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program.

 
NPR

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bipartisan bill aims to improve safety for school bus riders

U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced The Safe Bus Routes to School Act, a piece of legislation that would expand the federal Safe Routes to School program to allow funding for projects supporting school bus riders, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, and safer bus stop waiting areas. The bill would also fund school bus safety education initiatives.

INTERNATIONAL

Economic inequality continues to shape children’s futures, UN agencies warn

New reports from UNICEF and UNESCO warn that economic inequality is increasingly shaping children’s health, education, and future opportunities, with disadvantages beginning in childhood and extending into adulthood. A UNICEF study covering 44 OECD and high-income countries found that children in more unequal societies experience poorer health and weaker educational outcomes. Children in the most unequal countries are 1.7 times more likely to be overweight, while students from low-income households are far less likely to achieve basic reading and math proficiency than wealthier peers. UNICEF said widening income gaps are contributing to entrenched child poverty and unequal access to nutrition, education, and wellbeing. UNESCO’s separate report on higher education found that global university enrollment has more than doubled since 2000, reaching 269m students in 2024, but access remains highly uneven. Around 80% of young people attend higher education in Western Europe and North America, compared with just 9% in sub-Saharan Africa. Graduation rates have also lagged behind enrollment growth, while rising costs and limited public funding continue to restrict access for disadvantaged groups. Both agencies called for stronger investment in education, social protection, and inclusive policies to prevent inequality from becoming more deeply entrenched across generations.

Africa’s education gains stall as out-of-school numbers climb again

More than 100m children and adolescents across Africa are currently out of school, according to new research analyzing 25 years of education trends, with experts warning that progress in school participation is now reversing. The study found that the number of out-of-school children fell from more than 100m in 2000 to around 90m in 2014, before climbing back to 100m by 2025, largely because rapid population growth has outpaced education access. Although the percentage of children out of school has declined over time, participation rates remain particularly weak at secondary-school level. Researchers identified several drivers behind the recent deterioration, including reduced government funding for free education programs, declining international aid, and the long-term effects of COVID-19, which pushed an estimated 10m children permanently out of school. Political instability, conflict, climate pressures, poverty, and child labor were also cited as major barriers, especially in the Sahel region, South Sudan, Chad, northern Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

AND FINALLY......

Surf’s up on Verdone era

Andy Verdone, the esteemed surf coach at Huntington Beach High School, announced his retirement after 39 years of guiding the surf team to 12 national championships. Verdone, who has also taught at the school for 42 years, expressed that he will miss the personal relationships he built with students, saying: "That alarm clock going off at 5 a.m. ... never gets easy." He plans to spend more time with his family, including visits to his children's colleges. Verdone's influence extends beyond coaching; he has shaped the lives of many surfers, including Brett Simpson, who described him as “a second father figure." As Verdone steps down, assistant coach Ian Dominelli will take over, aiming to continue the legacy of success established by Verdone.
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