Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
California
2nd June 2026
Together with
Vector Solutions Brand Logo

THE HOT STORY

UC professors seek SAT return

More than 1,100 University of California math and science professors are urging UC regents to reinstate college-entrance exams, arguing that weaker student preparation is straining instructors, lowering standards and limiting teaching resources. Their open letter says nearly one-third of first-semester calculus students at UC Berkeley showed “severe preparation deficits,” while a UC San Diego faculty report found remedial math placements rose from 0.5% to 8.5% between 2020 and 2025. The professors wrote: “UC has finite resources and can help only so many students.” The appeal comes as some selective universities restore testing requirements, while UC remains test free. Faculty warned that unresolved gaps could lengthen degree paths, reduce STEM completion and weaken California’s skilled technology workforce.

TITLE IX

Title IX & State-by-State Sexual Harassment Compliance Requirements

Preparing for the upcoming school year? Vector Solutions’ state-by-state guide helps districts better understand Title IX, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment training requirements. Use it to review reporting and prevention mandates, align role-specific training, and simplify compliance tracking before the school year begins.

Download Guide

 

STATE NEWS

Barrera endorsed for California education chief

The Sacramento Bee Editorial Board has endorsed Richard Barrera, a prominent leader in the San Diego USD, for California's next superintendent of public instruction. Barrera, who has significantly improved teacher salaries and student performance, emerged as the top candidate among 10 contenders. "San Diego now ranks first among large districts in reading and math," highlighting his effective leadership. However, the race faces uncertainty due to Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to shift the California Department of Education into the executive branch, potentially reducing the superintendent's authority. Achievement gaps persist, with the Public Policy Institute of California reporting low proficiency rates among Black and Latino students. Barrera has also received support from the California Teachers Association.

TEACHING

Math wars: A new approach needed

The Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) released a report titled "Navigating the Math Wars: A Practical Guide to the Divides and Debates Influencing Math Instruction," urging educators to critically assess state recommendations for math education. Alexander Kurz, a senior fellow at CRPE, emphasized the need for a "clear-eyed look at what's actually happening in their classrooms." The report highlights the importance of blending traditional and student-led approaches while advocating for a comprehensive study of existing research, as the last major review occurred two decades ago. With states like New York and California implementing new math frameworks, CRPE calls for a renewed national effort to address the ongoing challenges in math education, stating: "Its aim should not be to declare winners and losers in the Math Wars, but to produce clearer, more transparent guidance."

WORKFORCE

Buitragoas calls for insurance overhaul

In her new role on the TK-12 healthcare cost working group, Modesto City Schools Superintendent Vanessa Buitragoas has proposed that California explore a single insurance pool for educators. In a letter to local leaders, she emphasized the unsustainable nature of rising healthcare costs, stating: “We have teachers trying to decide between insuring their child or insuring their spouse.” Buitragoas highlighted that healthcare costs have surged nearly 500% since the 2023-24 school year, significantly outpacing school funding growth. With teachers facing monthly premiums as high as $1,600, she noted that the current fragmented system is not viable for public education. Last year, California school districts allocated 8% of per-student funding to health benefits.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Boosting mental health in schools

San Luis Obispo County is enhancing mental health support in local high schools through the “Pathways to Student Wellness” grant initiative, which allocates $300,000 to expand on-campus wellness centers. Each of the eight participating schools will receive $37,500 in four installments, with the first already distributed. Austin Miller, a counselor at San Luis Obispo High School, emphasized the importance of these services, stating: “A highlight this year has been a number of students who self-referred for assistance with substance use.” A student also shared: “Having services at the school has meant that I was able to get the support I needed.” The initiative is funded by the California Behavioral Health Student Services Act and aims to improve access to mental health resources for students.

Sen. Allen celebrates vision to learn

Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, honored Vision To Learn as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for its nearly 15 years of providing essential eye care to students across California and beyond. "You cannot underestimate the difference eye care makes to a student's educational experience," Allen said, emphasizing the importance of clear vision in learning. The nonprofit, which began in partnership with the Los Angeles USD, now serves students in 15 states and Washington, D.C., offering mobile eye care services. A 2021 Johns Hopkins study revealed that students who received glasses showed significant academic improvements, with gains equivalent to four to six months of additional lessons. Joan Chu Reese, executive director of Vision To Learn, stated: "Glasses have been shown to be the most effective tool to increase academic achievement." To date, the organization has provided eye care to 3.8m children nationwide, ensuring that over 278,000 California students have the glasses they need to succeed.

Teen raises awareness for juvenile arthritis

Ethan Greenberg, a junior at San Francisco University High School, is raising awareness for juvenile arthritis, a condition often overlooked in children. Diagnosed with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis at age 10, he said, "Everyone knows about arthritis, but no one knows about juvenile arthritis." In May, he participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis, where he was the top fundraiser, collecting nearly $40,000. Greenberg has also created a peer support group called Stronger Together Juvenile Arthritis to connect young people facing similar challenges. Despite occasional flare-ups, he manages to live a "pretty normal life," enjoying music and sports. His fundraising efforts continue through June at events.arthritis.org/teams/41362.

TECHNOLOGY

The digital delusion: a wake-up call

Jared Cooney Horvath's book, “The Digital Delusion,” links declining standardized test scores to increased technology use in schools. Horvath argues that students learn better through traditional methods, stating, “EdTech isn't failing because of outdated software or poor teacher training; it's failing because it's fundamentally incompatible with how human beings actually learn.” His book has sparked a movement among parents and educators advocating for reduced screen time in classrooms. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, referred to Horvath as a “leading researcher” in this debate. Critics, including Richard Culatta, chief executive of ISTE+ASCD, argue that Horvath oversimplifies the issue, emphasizing that other factors, such as mental health, may be more influential on test scores. The book has gained traction, selling over 5,000 copies monthly, and is set for re-release by Harmony Books in August.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Fight sparks call for more SROs

A recent altercation at Aragon High School has prompted city leaders in San Mateo to reconsider the number of school resource officers (SROs) in the district. Last month, a fight escalated off-campus, involving a gun threat, although no firearm was found, according to Officer Andrew Peek of the San Mateo Police Department. Currently, there are two SROs rotating between the San Mateo Union High School and San Mateo-Foster City School districts. Councilmember Nicole Fernandez, who serves as a liaison to the district, emphasized the need for more officers, stating: “It's more of a preventative measure.” The city currently spends about $500,000 for the two positions, down from three SROs previously funded jointly by the city and school districts. Laura Chalkley, spokesperson for SMUHSD, noted that there are no immediate plans to increase funding for additional SROs.

LEGAL

Teen girl sues after classroom stabbing

A teen girl is suing the Sweetwater UHSD and her ex-boyfriend, a fellow student, after being repeatedly stabbed in class at San Ysidro High School last December. The lawsuit, filed in San Diego Superior Court, reveals that the assailant's face was covered in bandages during the attack. The girl seeks justice for the traumatic incident, which has raised serious concerns about safety in schools. "The assailant's face was apparently wrapped in bandages," highlighting the shocking nature of the attack, according to the suit.

SPORT

Transgender athlete shines amid protests

AB Hernandez, a transgender female athlete from Jurupa Valley High School, won two medals at the state track and field championships, finishing first in the girls’ high jump and triple jump. Despite her achievements, the event was marked by protests over California's policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. Hernandez, who graduated in May, also placed third in the long jump. “I feel like I’m always going to be in the public eye,” Hernandez said. Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticized the policy, vowing to overturn California's AB 1266, which prohibits barring athletes from competition based on sex. In contrast, Democratic candidate Tom Steyer expressed support for Hernandez, stating: “I’m so proud of you for what you’re doing.”

FURTHER EDUCATION

Online classes: A double-edged sword

California's community colleges have shifted significantly towards online education, with about 40% of classes now offered remotely. While this expansion increases access for working adults and parents, it also raises concerns about engagement and quality. Students report feelings of loneliness and a lack of rigor in online courses, with some even resorting to AI tools for assignments. Melissa Villarin from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office noted: "About 40% of all community college classes are online." Experts like Di Xu emphasize the need for self-directed learning skills in online environments, which can lead to challenges for many students. As colleges adapt to this new landscape, the balance between accessibility and educational quality remains a pressing issue.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe