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California
9th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Prop. 3: Tax decision looms

Proposition 3 in California asks voters to decide on making a temporary income tax on the state's highest earners permanent to support education funding. Initially approved in 2012 and extended in 2016, this tax generates between $5bn and $15bn annually. Supporters, including California Teachers Association President David Goldberg, argue that making the tax permanent would stabilize school funding, stating: “The need to have it be permanent is made clear by the fiscal cliff that we face every time it gets close to sunsetting.” Conversely, opponents like David Kline from the California Taxpayers Association warn that this could lead to instability in funding if high earners relocate. The debate centers on whether Prop. 3 is a continuation of the current tax structure or a new burden on wealthy Californians. Goldberg emphasized that voters should have the chance to decide on the tax's future, as uncertainty hampers educational funding.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AS AN INTERVENTION

A Powerful Lens for Supporting Students with Learning Differences

Every school year, meetings take place across the state as California educators collaborate to support student learning through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). These meetings represent a significant investment of time and effort aimed at improving outcomes for all learners, especially those with learning differences who face the greatest challenges in progress and achievement. To make the most of this time, school teams must focus on identifying effective interventions. But what exactly is intervention in the context of special education? How does it differ from specially designed instruction (SDI)? And how can tools like MTSS and response to intervention (RTI) guide our decisions?

Read this article to explore special education as an intervention

 

STEM

STEM education surges in afterschool programs

Millions are worried that AI will threaten jobs, but a new study reveals a positive trend in afterschool programs offering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. The Afterschool Alliance's report, “Afterschool STEM Takes Off,” indicates that 92% of parents now report their child's program includes STEM learning, a significant rise from previous years. However, access remains uneven, particularly for rural and low-income families, with over 75% of children whose parents desire afterschool programs not enrolled. Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance, emphasized: “STEM literacy is no longer optional... We are thrilled with the tremendous uptick in afterschool STEM learning.” The report also highlights the need for increased funding and targeted investments to ensure all children can benefit from these educational opportunities.

NATIONAL NEWS

Teaching 9/11 through Welles Crowther's legacy

Twenty-five years after 9/11, educators are using Welles Crowther's story to teach resilience and heroism to a new generation. Crowther, who saved as many as 18 people during the attacks, is remembered as a symbol of bravery. His mother, Alison Crowther, emphasized the importance of sharing his story, stating: "9/11 should never be forgotten or diminished in any way." The Red Bandanna Project, developed by Alison, aims to instill lessons of empathy and leadership in students. With many students born after the attacks, educators like Crystal Bozigian and Katie Jeffers are finding ways to connect Crowther's legacy to contemporary issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. As Alison Crowther noted: "Embrace the preciousness and the gift of our lives here on this earth and just work every day to bring good into the world." The project continues to evolve, providing free resources for teachers to engage students in meaningful discussions about courage and collective trauma.

TECHNOLOGY

Educators tackle the baby slop issue

The rise of AI-generated videos, dubbed "baby slop," is raising concerns among early childhood educators. With countless flashy yet meaningless videos targeting preschoolers, critics argue these clips can harm children's understanding of reality. Allison Bacon, an instructional technology coordinator, stated: "Entertainment generated through AI to mindlessly babysit small people is inherently problematic." Educators are urged to vet content and engage students in critical discussions about what they watch. Josefa Martinez, a preschool teacher, emphasizes the importance of guiding parents in selecting interactive and educational resources. As Keri Ewart, an education professor, noted: "If we’re expecting our children to have digital fluency and digital literacy... we’re going to have to expect teachers and parents to be digitally literate too." Schools are increasingly hosting events to educate parents on navigating this new digital landscape.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Backpacks and school safety expand

Big Sunday, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles, successfully hosted its 17th annual Back-to-School Week, where volunteers filled 5,500 backpacks with essential school supplies for elementary students in need across Southern California. This year, three states—Illinois, Virginia, and West Virginia—enacted laws allowing or requiring schools to implement mobile panic alarms for emergency situations, bringing the total to 13 states with such legislation. Known as Alyssa's Law, named after Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the 2018 Parkland shooting, these laws vary in technology requirements. Kenneth Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, noted that the low percentage of alerts for emergencies suggests that schools may not need to mandate panic buttons. "Wearable incident response badges help reduce delays," the report states.

DISTRICTS

Parents can opt-out of lessons

San Rafael City Schools have introduced a new policy allowing parents to exclude their elementary students from classroom activities that conflict with their religious beliefs. This includes lessons featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Superintendent Carmen Diaz Ghysels stated: “It's a work in progress,” as the district prepares to implement the policy this fall. Parents can fill out an online form to request their child's exemption, which will be coordinated with the school principal to provide alternative educational activities. The policy, prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, aims to ensure that no child is penalized for opting out. The district is also considering how to effectively communicate this option to parents, with plans for notices in both English and Spanish.

Whittier and Pioneer high schools shine

Whittier and Pioneer high schools have been recognized as PTA Schools of Excellence by the National PTA, celebrating their commitment to family engagement and student achievement. The Whittier High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), led by president Genoa Stewart and treasurer Marlena Quintana, has grown from 35 to nearly 150 members in just two years. They awarded over $5,200 in scholarships to seniors and won first place in the USAgain America Recycles Day Challenge, earning a $1,500 prize. Quintana said: “Every member has a voice, contributing ideas and deciding where the money is spent.” Superintendent Monica Oviedo praised the PTSAs for their support, stating: “Through the phenomenal support of District PTSAs, our schools are thriving.”

ATTENDANCE

Scholarship Prep South Bay breaks barriers

Scholarship Prep South Bay, a charter school in Wilmington, has achieved a remarkable milestone: none of its homeless students were chronically absent last year. With 54 out of 421 students experiencing homelessness, the school prioritizes addressing basic needs through various services, including meals, transportation assistance, and health services. "We create a school where everyone is welcome," said Jason Watts, chief executive and co-founder. Despite challenges, such as a statewide chronic absenteeism rate of 35% for homeless students, Scholarship Prep is committed to academic progress. While state test scores show room for improvement, the school focuses on building trust with families and providing a supportive environment. "Loving the whole child includes the family," Principal Allison Vann said, emphasizing the importance of belonging in maintaining high attendance rates.

TRANSPORTATION

Electric buses: a breath of fresh air

Dr. Lisa Patel, a Bay Area pediatrician, highlights the urgent need for California to support electric school buses to combat diesel exhaust pollution, which poses significant health risks to children. "90% of U.S. school buses run on diesel," she noted, emphasizing the dangers of diesel fumes that can lead to asthma and cognitive impairments. Despite the state’s commitment of $1.5bn to the Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure Incentive Project, funding has been lacking since late 2024, leaving many districts on a waitlist. As the state mandates a transition to zero-emission buses, Patel urges leaders to prioritize funding to protect vulnerable students, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

SPORTS

Alabama lawmaker proposes automatic tax withholding for college athletes’ NIL income

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) has introduced legislation that would require a portion of college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation to be automatically withheld for federal taxes, similar to withholding from traditional paychecks. The proposal is intended to prevent athletes from facing unexpected IRS bills and penalties after spending income without accounting for estimated tax payments. Sewell cited concerns highlighted by former NFL player Sam Acho, who testified about an 18-year-old athlete who earned $750,000 in NIL income but was ultimately left with just over $6,000 and a $320,000 tax bill. The legislation comes as athletes navigate increasingly significant earnings and complex tax obligations following changes that have allowed them to profit from endorsements and other business partnerships.

INTERNATIONAL

China expands education pathways for students with disabilities

China has launched a new national action plan to strengthen special education, aiming to maintain a 97% compulsory-education enrollment rate for school-age children with disabilities through 2030. The plan, issued by the Ministry of Education and six other central government departments, focuses on expanding access, improving teaching quality, increasing digital and artificial intelligence use, strengthening funding and teacher support, and widening international cooperation. It also calls for more high school, vocational, and university opportunities for students with disabilities, including five-year vocational programs, expanded university majors, and stronger academic, living, and career support. By 2025, China had 2,464 special education schools serving 927,000 students with 85,100 specialized teachers, up 33%, 145%, and 95%, respectively, from 2012.
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