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California
15th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California bans AI in classrooms

California has enacted Assembly Bill 2148, which mandates that K-12 students be taught by human educators rather than artificial intelligence. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 30, the law clarifies that public school staff must be “natural people.” Initially, the bill proposed extensive restrictions on AI and educational technology, but legislators revised it to focus on preventing AI from replacing school staff. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, emphasized the importance of protecting educators' autonomy, stating: “As AI and automated decision systems become more common in schools, we must ensure that educators are not forced to use or be evaluated by technology that undermines their professional judgment.” The law will take effect on January 1, 2027.

STATE NEWS

California schools get a leadership makeover

California lawmakers have enacted significant changes to the management of the state's education system, transferring power from the elected state superintendent to a governor-appointed education commissioner. This decision, reflected in the bipartisan support for Assembly Bill 181, aims to address the state's underwhelming academic performance. Assemblywoman Darshana Patel emphasized the need for change, stating: “We can't keep doing the same thing and expect different outcomes for our students.” The California Teachers Association criticized the move, arguing it distracts from essential student needs. The Policy Analysis for California Education report highlighted the complexities of the current system, suggesting that the new governance structure may not resolve the underlying issues affecting student achievement. The effectiveness of this overhaul remains to be seen, especially as California continues to invest heavily in education without corresponding improvements in test scores.

Pathways to success: California's students thrive

In California, over 330,000 high school students are engaging in themed “pathways” that resemble college majors, blending academics with career-focused courses. The Linked Learning Alliance partners with school districts to provide more than 600 pathways across various fields, including engineering and entertainment. Anne Stanton, president of Linked Learning Alliance, emphasized the importance of student feedback, stating: “The voices of young people are the most important voices.” A recent survey revealed that students found these pathways valuable for their education, with many reporting enhanced connections to their learning. The program aims to support socioeconomically disadvantaged students and break traditional tracking systems, ensuring all students have access to career opportunities. California's investment of $500m in the California Career Pathways Trust and the Golden State Pathways Program further supports this initiative, enhancing career pathways and aligning education with workforce needs.

Unlock your future with CalKIDS

The CalKIDS program offers scholarships to eligible public school students in California, with significant funds waiting to be claimed. In Merced County, about 77% of high school students qualify for scholarships up to $1,500, totaling over $23m available. Stanislaus County has more than 23,000 unclaimed accounts, amounting to over $38m. “CalKIDS represents California's investment in the promise and potential of our students,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma. The program, managed by the ScholarShare Investment Board, allows funds to be used for various educational expenses. Recent graduates can access their funds immediately, with no deadline to claim them.

WORKFORCE

Investing in early childhood educators

EdSurge emphasizes the importance of recognizing early childhood educators as essential professionals rather than mere babysitters. It shares the story of Lindsay, who, with the right support, progressed from a novice to a program coordinator over 15 years. The piece highlights a study by the National Institute for Early Education Research, which found that when teachers work within a cohesive system of curriculum, assessment, and professional development, retention rates increase by 23%. The author argues that to retain educators, systems must be designed to support their growth and well-being, stating, "We need systems designed to see educators fully." The call to action is clear: invest in the infrastructure that supports educators to ensure a sustainable future for early childhood education.

TECHNOLOGY

Parents lose sleep over tech worries

Parents are increasingly losing sleep due to concerns about technology, with a survey revealing they lose an average of 48 nights of sleep annually. The survey, conducted by Talker Research for Cosmo, found that worries about screen time (24%), social media's impact on self-esteem (20%), and gaming addiction (18%) are significant contributors to this anxiety. Russell York, Cosmo's Founder and CEO, said: “Staying connected with your child shouldn't require handing them the entire internet.” Despite their concerns, 90% of parents want their children to have access to cell phones at school, primarily for emergencies. The survey highlights a growing need for solutions that balance connectivity with childhood protection, as 77% of parents prefer devices that limit distractions while allowing communication.

Tech's hidden cost: kids' skills

Modern technology is reshaping children's lives, but it may also be diminishing essential life skills. Curby Alexander, a former educator from Texas Christian University, discussed the implications of this trend in an interview. He noted: "With every new innovation, it gives us something new and it takes something away." As children increasingly rely on digital devices for tasks like telling time and managing schedules, traditional skills such as cursive writing and critical thinking are at risk of disappearing from school curricula. Alexander emphasized the need for intentional efforts from parents and educators to reintroduce these skills, suggesting that "it's going to be individuals that kind of decide to take up those initiatives on their own." The conversation highlights the importance of balancing technological advancements with the preservation of foundational skills.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Transforming e-waste into community resources

In a grassroots initiative, retired laptops are being repurposed to combat e-waste and enhance digital access for nonprofits, seniors, and unhoused individuals. John Janosko, executive director of Wood Street Commons, highlighted the challenges faced after losing laptops during a city sweep, stating: “There was this period where nobody had a laptop, and it was just making things really hard.” The project, led by Peter Mui of Fixit Clinic, aims to extend the lifespan of Chromebooks by replacing their operating systems with Linux, thus eliminating the predetermined expiration set by Google. Mui noted that doubling the lifespan of these devices could significantly reduce environmental impact, equating it to cutting emissions from 900,000 cars for a year. The initiative not only provides essential tech resources but also fosters digital literacy within the community.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Preventing extremism: a public health crisis

In the wake of the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, experts are questioning whether enough was done to prevent the radicalization of the alleged shooters, Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez. Humera Khan, president of Muflehun, emphasized: “Do we think that these things can be prevented? Absolutely.” Experts argue that radicalization should be treated as a public health crisis, requiring a shift in perspective and long-term interventions rather than temporary measures. Warning signs of radicalization include fixation on violence and social media posts idolizing mass shooters. Building trust and maintaining relationships are crucial for intervention, as isolation can exacerbate extremist beliefs. Organizations like Parents for Peace and Life After Hate offer resources and support for families dealing with radicalization. The journey to prevent extremism is complex and requires ongoing effort, as noted by Churchill: “Just because it's preventable doesn't mean it's not a journey … doesn't mean it's not hard work.”

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Transforming a mall into an arts hub

The San Francisco Centre mall, once a bustling retail space, is now a vacant site that could be repurposed into a campus for the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts. Following a failed purchase deal due to lease complications, the mall's future remains uncertain. Columnist Allison Arieff suggests that transforming the mall into an arts school would not only fulfill the long-standing promise of a dedicated campus for students but also revitalize the local arts community. “You want a hybridized ecosystem here, not a monoculture,” said architect Owen Kennerly, highlighting the potential for a vibrant educational environment.

INTERNATIONAL

Classrooms enter Germany’s culture war

Schools have emerged as a key political battleground ahead of Saxony-Anhalt's regional election in September, after a teacher was formally reprimanded for telling a student he had not voted for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) because the party had been classified as extremist by security authorities. The case has sparked a wider debate over political neutrality in classrooms, with the teacher saying he has since faced online abuse, threats, and vandalism, while challenging the warning. The AfD, which is polling at around 40% ahead of the vote, says it would overhaul the education system to eliminate what it describes as political influence in schools, arguing that teachers should remain strictly neutral. The party has proposed a broader curriculum focused on German history and patriotism, while scaling back integration programs and social support measures.
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