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California
11th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California tightens online child protection

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a package of bills aimed at protecting children from potentially harmful features on social media and artificial intelligence platforms. The measures include requiring social media services to offer users under 16 versions without personalized algorithmic feeds or autoplay videos, while increasing penalties when companies harm children. Other legislation restricts chatbot-enabled toys for minors and requires AI companies to assess potential risks to young users. Schools will also face limits on using algorithm-driven social media platforms to communicate with students and parents. Newsom said the issue was personal, adding, “None of this is academic.”

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

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Cuts to SNAP threaten school meals...

Recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are poised to significantly impact school meal programs across the U.S., potentially leaving many students without access to free breakfast and lunch. Over 1m children have already lost SNAP benefits due to new federal regulations, which could also affect families who have never participated in the program. Clarissa Hayes, deputy director of child nutrition programs at the Food Research & Action Center, said, “Cuts to SNAP are not going to stop at the grocery store... they really are going to threaten children's access to school meals.” As schools prepare for the new term, the ripple effects of these changes could exacerbate childhood hunger and hinder academic performance, especially in districts reliant on federal funding tied to SNAP participation.

...putting students at risk of hunger and anxiety

Students experienced greater hunger, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating after a pandemic-era universal free school meal policy ended, according to a study based on interviews with 25 teachers at six elementary schools in Anchorage, Alaska. Teachers reported that fewer students ate school meals after the policy ended in the 2022-23 school year, while some children worried about meal costs or relied on donated food. Educators also described hungry students as more likely to become distracted, irritable, or disengaged during lessons. Researchers found that teachers saw no benefits from ending universal free meals and concluded that policies ensuring access to school meals could support students’ nutrition, well-being, and ability to learn. Several states have introduced their own universal free school meal programs since the federal policy ended.

Math equity crisis: Black students left behind

Black students have faced systemic exclusion from quality mathematics education, leading to significant academic and professional disparities, according to Just Equation's report, "Calculated Barriers." While they represent 15% of the public school population, only 6% were enrolled in AP math classes during the 2021-22 school year. Andrea McChristian, the national policy director of Just Equations, emphasized the importance of math education, stating: "Quality math education prepares you to fully engage in society." The report highlights that Black students often lack access to foundational courses like Algebra I, which are crucial for advanced math opportunities. Benjamin Moynihan, executive director of The Algebra Project, called for a national discussion to address these inequities. Just Equations advocates for redesigning high school math curricula and investing in culturally responsive instruction to dismantle barriers and ensure equitable access for Black students.

Semifinalists compete for scholarships

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced its 2027 list of semifinalists on September 9, featuring high school juniors competing for approximately 6,700 scholarships totaling nearly $24m. Winners will be revealed between April and July 2027. The semifinalists, representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors, were selected based on their scores from the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. To advance to the finalist stage, semifinalists must submit an application, including SAT or ACT scores, an essay, and a recommendation letter. "More than 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level," the organization stated. Finalists will compete for National Merit $2500 Scholarships, corporate-sponsored awards, and college-sponsored scholarships. The winners will join nearly 395,000 past recipients of the Merit Scholar title.  

FINANCE

Sacramento schools face financial scrutiny

The Sacramento City USD has revised its fiscal plan, requesting the Sacramento County Office of Education to withdraw its rescission of a teachers' agreement by September 17. Superintendent Cancy McArn stated that the district's multi-year projection shows an improved financial outlook, but relies on "risky" assumptions, according to Kenneth Kapphahn from the Legislative Analyst's Office. The district anticipates a $208.3m improvement in finances for 2026-27, but this projection includes uncertain state funding. Michael Fine, CEO of FCMAT, criticized the district's assumptions as "absurd," emphasizing that they do not meet California's budgeting standards. Meanwhile, the district has reached a new agreement with the Sacramento City Teachers Association to utilize funds from a retiree health trust, which McArn believes will help stabilize the district's finances.

Pasadena voters approve new taxes

Pasadena voters have recently approved several special taxes aimed at enhancing community services. In November 2022, Measure L was renewed, securing approximately $2.8m annually for library operations, a vital resource since the 1980s. In November 2024, voters also approved a $90 parcel tax for the Pasadena USD to support school programs and services.

POLICY

Students protest dress code unfairness

Students at Paso Robles High School voiced their concerns over the district's dress code during a recent school board meeting, arguing that its enforcement disproportionately targets female students. “Enforcement of this policy is inconsistent,” said student activist Jesus Ursulo, highlighting that boys often escape scrutiny for similar violations. District Superintendent Jennifer Loftus acknowledged the need for equitable enforcement, stating: “It should be enforced universally with both boys and girls.” Students like Mika Pirozzi and Ava Iglesias-Nelson expressed that the dress code creates feelings of embarrassment and unfair treatment, urging for equal application of the rules. The dress code aims to maintain a safe learning environment, but students argue it distracts from more pressing issues like academic performance.

DISTRICTS

St. Matthew's school reopens after fire

St. Matthew's Parish School in Pacific Palisades has reopened for full-time, in-person instruction after suffering extensive damage from the January 2025 Palisades fire. Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park attended the reopening, emphasizing the importance of schools as community anchors. “Seventy-six years ago this week, St. Matthew's opened its doors to students for the first time. This week, after everything this community has been through, those doors are opening again,” Park said. The fire destroyed several buildings, including the Lower School campus and library. Park's office collaborated with school leadership and The McGregor Company to facilitate the installation of temporary classrooms, receiving necessary permits by late July. Over 220 students, aged 2 to eighth grade, are expected to return, joining other local schools that have also reopened.

LEGAL

Students sue over school shooting

Four students affected by the December 2024 shooting at Feather River Adventist School near Oroville are suing three affiliated Seventh-Day Adventist organizations. The lawsuit names the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, General Conference Corporation of Seventh-Day Adventists, and North American Division of Seventh-Day Adventists as defendants. The plaintiffs include two kindergarten students who were shot and two siblings who suffered emotional trauma. Mary E. Alexander, founding attorney of Mary Alexander and Associates, said: “This case is about one of the most fundamental responsibilities a school assumes when parents place their children in its care: protecting them from preventable danger.” The lawsuit claims systemic failures in visitor management and student safety contributed to the incident. The plaintiffs seek damages for medical costs, emotional distress, and punitive damages, with a trial by jury requested.

HIGHER EDUCATION

ABA drops law school DEI rule

The American Bar Association (ABA) has eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion requirement for law schools as it seeks to preserve its longstanding role as the federally recognized accreditor of U.S. law schools. The ABA’s law school council said the decision was a pragmatic move intended to maintain recognition from state courts and the U.S. Department of Education, which recommended in August that the ABA lose the accreditation role it has held since 1952. The department cited concerns about the council’s independence from the broader ABA and its response to the DEI requirement. An Education Department committee is scheduled to consider the recommendation on September 23, with a final decision expected in the coming months. The repeal follows nearly two years of efforts to revise the diversity rule after the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision restricting the consideration of race in college admissions.

California schools dominate party rankings

California is home to some of the top party schools in the U.S., with three institutions making it to Niche's list of the best party schools for 2027. The University of Southern California (USC) ranked No. 5, receiving A+ grades for its party scene, athletics, academics, and student life. San Diego State University (SDSU) followed at No. 18, also earning A+ grades for its party scene and student life. The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) secured the No. 26 spot, with A+ ratings for its party scene and student life. "Top party colleges have a vibrant and diverse party scene," said Niche, highlighting the importance of fun options both on and off campus. The rankings reflect student surveys and various factors, including access to restaurants and bars.

INTERNATIONAL

Beijing expands integrated K-12 education groups

Beijing is strengthening its network of education groups to provide more integrated K-12 learning and expand access to resources across schools. In Chaoyang district, 21 education groups have been established, with leading schools supporting suburban and underprivileged campuses. The Beijing Chenjinglun High School Education Group, which encompasses 46 campuses and more than 30,000 students and teachers, has introduced a program connecting curricula and teaching across grades 1 through 12. Beginning this semester, 15 disciplines are participating in reforms designed to break down traditional grade boundaries, strengthen collaboration among teachers, and provide students with more continuous academic and extracurricular development. The initiative is part of Beijing’s broader effort to reform education and cultivate talent as technology, including AI, changes learning needs. Officials say greater flexibility across grade levels could allow schools to tailor instruction more closely to individual students’ progress and abilities.

OTHER

America marks 25 years since 9/11

Americans are commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, readings of victims’ names and volunteer projects. Nearly 3,000 people were killed in 2001, while the attacks reshaped U.S. security, foreign policy and public life for decades. Schools are also using the anniversary to educate students, many of whom were born long after 9/11. New York’s ceremony will additionally honor people who later died from illnesses linked to toxic dust exposure. Jay Winuk, co-founder of 9/11 Day, said: “One appropriate way to remember is by serving.”
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