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California
17th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

AI chatbots bridging bilingual education gaps

AI chatbots are emerging as valuable tools for supporting K-12 bilingual learners, according to educators like Daniel Gomez from Ideal School in Tampa, Florida. He believes that AI can help bridge knowledge gaps, stating, "It will be able to pick up any topic students are interested in and handle the topic reasonably well." Harvard researchers, including Ying Xu, are exploring how these chatbots can adapt learning materials into different languages, enhancing access for bilingual students. Chatbots can also facilitate family engagement by allowing parents to converse with their children about schoolwork in both languages. However, experts caution that careful implementation is necessary to avoid widening existing gaps, particularly regarding speech recognition accuracy and access to technology. As Gomez noted, "Even though AI can be a very valuable tool — it can help with a great many things — you always need that human touch."

DISTRICTS

Pasadena USD takes legal action over trees

The Pasadena USD Board of Education has approved legal action to safeguard its soil-remediation efforts, which include tree removal that has sparked local environmental concerns. "The board approved initiating litigation to protect against interference on the district's school campuses," said Board President Tina Fredericks. The board's resolution, passed 5-2, exempts its remediation work from Pasadena's zoning ordinances, including the Tree Protection Ordinance. Local advocates have opposed the removal of over 100 trees, arguing that the district could have pursued alternative remediation methods. PUSD maintains that the tree removal is essential for addressing soil contamination discovered after the Eaton fire. The district's communications office stated that both the city and the Department of Toxic Substances Control approved the plan, despite recent pushback from city inspectors.  

Trustees renew SRO contracts

The Pajaro Valley USD Board of Trustees voted 4-2 to renew contracts with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and Watsonville Police Department for school resource officers at three high schools. President Carol Turley and Trustees Daniel Dodge Jr., Olivia Flores, and Misty Navarro supported the contracts, while Jessica Carrasco and Gabe Medina opposed them. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office will provide a full-time officer at Aptos High School for $925 per day, while Watsonville will receive reimbursement for part-time officers at local high schools. Critics, including teacher Emily Halbig, expressed concerns about prioritizing law enforcement over mental health support, stating: “Somehow, you found money for law enforcement but not for mental health.” 

GOVERNANCE

New interim principal for Kennedy High

John F. Kennedy High School will begin the next academic year with Jill Thom as its interim principal, following the leave of absence of Principal Reginald Brown. Sacramento City USD board member Taylor Kayatta announced Thom's appointment on Facebook, stating: “If and when we go out to hire a new permanent principal,” the selection process will involve significant community input. Brown, who has a history of leadership at various schools, has not disclosed the reason for his leave, which has led to frustration among parents regarding communication from the district.

STEM

Stemsters inspire young minds with cup phones

At the iDream Academy in Rowland Heights, students engaged in a hands-on "cup phone lab" lesson organized by the Walnut High School chapter of STEMsters, a nonprofit focused on STEM education. The program, which serves underrepresented populations, encourages students to experiment with sound transmission using paper cups. "They take advantage of current technology," said Shaunes Kim, administrative manager at iDream. Founded in 2023, STEMsters aims to provide affordable STEM experiences, with plans for a new robotics initiative. Max Sun, Vice President of STEMsters, emphasized the importance of making STEM accessible to all, stating: "I want to come in early on and show them that STEM is for everyone." The organization continues to adapt its curriculum to meet the diverse needs of students across various socioeconomic backgrounds.

LEGAL

Teacher sues district over harassment

Jasmine Lee Scott, a former first-grade teacher at Century Elementary, has filed a lawsuit against Clovis USD, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Principal Brion Warren and Senior Guidance Instructional Specialist Lisa Peterson. The lawsuit claims that after Scott rejected Warren's advances and reported unprofessional conduct, she faced pressure to resign and was placed on a performance improvement plan that was not standard for other first-year teachers. Clovis USD spokesperson Kelly Avants emphasized the district's commitment to a safe environment but declined to comment on the specifics of the case.  

STUDENT SUPPORT

Let students fail for growth

Mark Shpall, head of school at de Toledo High School, emphasizes the urgent need for educational reform to combat the overprotection of students. He notes that "students are increasingly shielded from discomfort, failure and responsibility," leading to anxiety and a lack of independence. The rise of AI in classrooms further complicates this issue, as it may discourage creative thinking and problem-solving. Shpall advocates for a cultural shift in schools, urging educators to promote grit, curiosity, and independent thought. He believes that parents should partner with schools by allowing their children to make mistakes and learn from them. The ultimate goal is to prepare students for a challenging future, fostering qualities like adaptability and emotional resilience that cannot be replaced by AI.

EARLY YEARS

Presbyterian preschool closes after decades

The closure of Presbyterian Preschool, a cherished institution in Santa Rosa since 1962, marks a significant loss for the community. Rev. Aeryn Seto Johnson expressed the emotional impact, stating: “It's a huge loss... It's not like you are closing down a business. It's an emotional loss like you are losing a community member.” The preschool faced declining enrollment, leading to its pause in operations in spring 2025 and eventual closure. In its place, North Bay Children's Center has opened a full-day program catering to the needs of working families.

SPORT

Home is where the heart is

After a successful basketball career abroad, Devin Watson has returned to San Diego to coach at Sage Creek High School. “The more you travel, the more you see of the world,” he said, “the more you appreciate San Diego.” Watson, who previously played for San Diego State and was drafted by the G League's Erie BayHawks, aims to revitalize a struggling program that finished last season with a 10-19 record.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. limits international student stays

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule ending a decades-old policy that allowed international students to remain in the United States for the duration of their academic programs. Beginning September 15, most F-1 and J-1 visa holders will be limited to an initial four-year stay, after which they must apply for an extension if they need more time to complete their studies. The Trump administration says the change will strengthen immigration oversight, improve national security, and prevent abuse of the previous "duration of status" policy, which officials argue allowed some students to remain in the country indefinitely. Existing international students will generally be allowed to stay through their current program or for up to four additional years. Higher education groups, immigration advocates, and universities have strongly criticized the rule, arguing that four years is insufficient for many undergraduate and nearly all doctoral programs, as well as post-graduation work authorization.

La Sierra University faces accreditation warning

La Sierra University in Riverside is facing potential loss of accreditation due to financial issues and failure to meet certain standards, according to a letter from the Western Association of Colleges and Schools Senior College University Commission. The university has been placed on “warning” status, allowing it two years to rectify the situation. “The university takes compliance review matters very seriously and is actively addressing these areas,” said La Sierra spokesperson Darla Martin Tucker. The commission's findings indicate that the university did not adequately assess “student learning outcomes,” schedule necessary program reviews, or manage its budget effectively. La Sierra aims to increase its enrollment to 3,000 students by 2035 and has outlined a timeline for corrective actions, including submitting a plan by November 1.

INTERNATIONAL

Former NSW education leader urges long-term policy stability

A former New South Wales Department of Education leader has argued that Australia's education policy should be protected from short-term political cycles, warning that frequent changes in government priorities create uncertainty for schools, teachers, and students. Drawing on leadership experience in Australia, England, Finland, and Canada, the paper contends that the most effective education systems balance accountability with professional trust, while avoiding politically driven reforms that disrupt teaching and learning. The author recommends that major education policies be developed in consultation with educators and other stakeholders, supported by bipartisan political agreement, and maintained over a fixed seven-year cycle to provide greater stability. The paper also proposes establishing an independent advisory group to review policy effectiveness, encourage evidence-based decision-making, and ensure education reforms are guided by long-term educational outcomes rather than changing political agendas.

AND FINALLY......

Viking Row takes the world by storm

The Viking Row, a Norwegian soccer fan chant created by Ole Frøystad, an elementary school teacher, has taken the world by storm since its debut in March. Initially met with skepticism, the chant gained popularity after instructional videos on proper rowing technique went viral, amassing 38m views. The chant has been showcased at various high-profile events, including a PGA Tour event where Viktor Hovland credited the "electric chanting" for his victory. At a recent Oslo homecoming, Crown Prince Haakon led tens of thousands in the Viking Row, demonstrating its cultural significance. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken acknowledged its appeal but cautioned that it may be a "gimmick during the tournament," indicating it might not continue post-World Cup. Frøystad, however, remains optimistic with "14 more chants and a dream."
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