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California
30th July 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California arts funding battle escalates

Former Los Angeles USD (LAUSD) Superintendent Austin Beutner is urging California lawmakers to reject Assembly Bill 2440, arguing that it would weaken voter-approved protections established under Proposition 28, the 2022 ballot measure that dedicates roughly $1bn annually to expanding arts education in public schools. Beutner, who authored Proposition 28, contends the bill would allow districts to use the funding to replace existing arts spending rather than expand programs, contrary to the measure's original intent, and could effectively shield districts from legal challenges over past spending practices. The dispute centers on LAUSD, which Beutner sued in 2025, alleging the district improperly replaced existing arts funding with Proposition 28 money instead of supplementing it. LAUSD has denied any wrongdoing, maintains it has complied with state guidance, and says it did not help draft the legislation. Supporters of AB 2440, including several education and arts organizations, argue the bill is needed to clarify ambiguous funding rules that have complicated implementation across school districts. The bill has already passed the California Assembly unanimously and is awaiting consideration in the State Senate.

NATIONAL NEWS

Lawmakers renew push for federal school cybersecurity support

A bipartisan Senate bill introduced by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA) would provide $20m over two years to strengthen cybersecurity in K-12 schools through new federal resources, including a Cybersecurity Information Exchange, a Cybersecurity Incident Registry, and a School Cybersecurity Improvement Program. The proposal, a renewed version of legislation that failed to pass in 2023, would be directed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to help schools access best practices, funding opportunities, cybersecurity tools, and training. The legislation would also establish a national registry to track the dates, details, and outcomes of cyberattacks against K-12 schools, helping identify trends and improve prevention and response strategies. Education organizations, including the Consortium for School Networking and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, have endorsed the proposal, citing the growing threat ransomware and other cyberattacks pose to schools, student data, and classroom operations. 

HHS shifts teen pregnancy funding toward abstinence-focused programs

The Trump administration has terminated more than 50 federally funded Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grants across 25 states, canceling the remaining $143m in funding two years early for initiatives that worked with schools and community organizations to reduce teen pregnancy and support student well-being. The Department of Health and Human Services said the affected programs conflicted with administration priorities, while simultaneously seeking applications for new grants that place greater emphasis on abstinence. Organizations affected by the cuts warn the loss of funding will end services that connected students with trusted adults, health resources, and relationship education, potentially reversing progress as U.S. teen pregnancy rates have reached historic lows. Several grantees have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the funding cancellations, arguing the move is unlawful and could negatively affect student health, attendance, and educational outcomes.

More states move to restrict four-day school weeks

A growing number of states are tightening restrictions on four-day school weeks as more districts adopt the abbreviated schedule to address budget pressures and teacher shortages. Indiana recently enacted a law requiring schools to meet new academic and operational standards, including maintaining an A state accountability rating, offering enrichment and intervention programs on non-school days, and meeting the state's $45,000 minimum teacher salary, before receiving annual approval to continue using a four-day schedule. More than 2,100 schools in 26 states operated on four-day weeks during the 2024-25 school year, up from about 1,600 schools in 24 states six years earlier, although they still represent a small fraction of U.S. public schools. Research has generally found little difference in student achievement when instructional hours are maintained. Supporters of four-day weeks argue the model helps rural districts recruit teachers and better meet local needs, while critics say policymakers should ensure shortened schedules do not negatively affect student learning.

STATE NEWS

Science scores finally get their due

Jessica Sawko, director of education for Children Now and the California STEM Network, expressed her joy during a recent State Board of Education meeting as science scores will now be included as a full metric on the California School Dashboard. This change marks the end of a decade-long effort by science educators to elevate the subject's status alongside English language arts and math. Sawko said: “I'm sorry, I'm emotional. It's been like a decade.” The inclusion of science scores aims to enhance funding and focus on science education, which has historically been neglected. Despite challenges, advocates believe that the new visibility will encourage districts to prioritize science in their academic planning. The California Science Test (CAST) has shown low proficiency rates, with only 32.7% of students meeting standards, highlighting the need for continued investment and support in science education.

TEACHING

Teacher support shapes outdoor learning

New research by Charles Sturt University Associate Professor Brendon Hyndman, based on a survey of 135 teachers from around the world, has found that the quality of outdoor play depends as much on teacher confidence, autonomy, and institutional support as it does on school facilities. The study, published in the Journal of Experiential Education, argues that outdoor play should be recognized as a core part of experiential learning rather than time away from the classroom. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, the research found that teachers are more likely to facilitate meaningful outdoor play when they have professional autonomy, feel equipped with the necessary skills, and receive support from colleagues and school leaders. Many respondents said they had received little formal training in outdoor play, while inadequate infrastructure, staffing, and resources often shifted their focus toward managing risk instead of supporting students' development.

DISTRICTS

Visalia schools unveil stunning murals

As students return to Visalia schools, they will encounter new murals created by artist Jesse Jentzen at four sites: Mountain View Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Riverway Elementary, and Sierra View Elementary. Jentzen collaborated with local students during summer programs, enhancing the creative process. Jessica Wynn, principal of Sierra View Elementary, expressed gratitude, stating: “We are incredibly grateful to Jesse for creating such a beautiful and meaningful addition.”

TECHNOLOGY

Empowering youth through AI education

Kaashvi Mittal, a high school student, became intrigued by AI after discovering ChatGPT in 2022. “I realized that a lot of people didn't really have, like, an understanding of what AI was, and they were almost intimidated by it in some ways,” she said. This realization led her to establish Together We AI, an organization that conducts workshops to educate peers about AI's benefits and risks. As AI technology permeates daily life, concerns about its impact on mental health and social interactions have emerged. For instance, Rosemary, a fellow student, expressed worries about AI bots replacing real friendships. Both Mittal and Rosemary advocate for increased awareness and education on AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding its implications for their generation. Mittal aims to expand her workshops as she begins her freshman year at UC Berkeley, focusing on making AI accessible to younger students.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Navigating the online learning maze

Supporting students in their transition to college can be challenging, especially with the rise of online education. As noted in a report by Statista, "online learners are predicted to reach over 1.2bn by 2030." Online schooling offers personalized curricula, advanced placement courses, and essential skills like time management and communication, which are crucial for college success. The National Association for College Admission Counseling emphasizes that grades and curriculum strength are key factors in admissions decisions, not the delivery method. Additionally, online education allows students to engage in real-world experiences, such as internships and volunteering, enhancing their college applications. Ultimately, online learning cultivates the skills necessary for a smooth transition into higher education, making it a viable option for many students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC Berkeley admits fewer Californians again

The University of California has admitted a record 185,632 applicants for the upcoming fall, including over 102,000 from California. However, UC Berkeley has continued a trend of admitting fewer California freshmen, with only 9,445 accepted this year, a 14% decrease from 2023. James Milliken, UC's president, said: “The record number of California students we're welcoming this year reflects UC's enduring commitment to expanding opportunity.” Despite the decline at Berkeley, the overall admissions rate for California first-year applicants is 78%, up from 77% in 2025. The university aims to increase in-state undergraduates by 17,000 by 2030, while also admitting more community college students and non-residents. This year, UC welcomed 29,372 community college students, a 6% increase from last year.

INTERNATIONAL

Japan's schools urged to rethink shelters

Japan's Ministry of Education has urged local education boards in areas affected by the powerful Kumamoto Prefecture earthquake to use air-conditioned school classrooms as evacuation shelters, rather than relying solely on gymnasiums and martial arts halls, where air conditioning remains uncommon. The recommendation follows a government survey showing that only 22.7% of elementary and junior high school gymnasiums nationwide are equipped with air conditioning, with the figure falling to just 13.4% in Kumamoto Prefecture. As of the morning of July 29, the ministry reported 11 students had sustained minor injuries while under school supervision, along with six faculty and staff members who suffered injuries ranging from minor to serious. The earthquake also caused damage to 72 schools in Kumamoto Prefecture, including structural damage to buildings and fallen equipment. Across Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures, a total of 106 schools were reported to have sustained damage.

AND FINALLY......

Oprah transfers leadership of South African Girls School

Oprah Winfrey announced significant changes for the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa, stating that after the 2027 academic year, the residential campus will be returned to the Gauteng Department of Education. Winfrey emphasized that current students will be able to complete their education under the existing arrangement. Her organization has graduated over one thousand students and plans to continue supporting the community by funding tuition for girls attending other top-tier schools. Winfrey recalled her inspiration for OWLAG, saying: "From the very beginning, I said to Nelson Mandela, ‘I want to create a school for smart girls who will lead this country into glory." The organization expressed optimism about the future, stating: "For OWLAG, the next chapter is just beginning."
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