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California
14th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California approves 31 early literacy training programs

California’s State Board of Education has approved 31 early literacy training programs that school districts can use as part of the state’s shift toward evidence-based reading instruction, including a greater emphasis on phonics. Gov. Gavin Newsom allocated $200m for professional development to help elementary teachers adopt the new strategies, although districts can receive funding for other programs if they demonstrate alignment with the state’s criteria. The approved programs were selected from 37 eligible providers after a review led by WestEd, with scores ranging from 30 to 53 out of 54. The California Association for Bilingual Education and SchoolKit received the highest ratings, while the board removed six of the lowest-ranked programs. The state plans to publish detailed information to help districts compare providers. Some literacy advocates argued that the 31-program list remains too broad and includes options with limited evidence of effectiveness. Board members acknowledged that the ratings primarily measure alignment with state criteria rather than demonstrated improvements in student outcomes, and directed the Department of Education to provide clear guidance to districts as they select programs.

RESEARCH-BASED INSTRUCTION

Support California’s Multilingual Learners with Research-Based Math Instruction

Fostering success for multilingual learners in mathematics starts with instruction that recognizes and builds on the strengths each student brings into the classroom. 

Whether you're looking to improve math instruction, foster meaningful classroom conversations, or create more inclusive learning experiences, discover strategies aligned to the instructional model of California Reveal Math that support every learner. Explore the playlist filled with professional learning designed to help multilingual learners thrive.

Watch the Playlist. 

 

NATIONAL NEWS

School choice funding could balloon

The Trump administration’s federal school choice program, launching next year, could become one of the country’s largest sources of K-12 funding, according to an analysis by the American Federation for Children. The program will offer eligible taxpayers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on donations of up to $1,700 to scholarship-granting organizations, which can fund expenses including tuition, tutoring, and books for public, private, and home-school students. The AFC estimates that 121.5m taxpayers will be eligible to participate. If 20% contribute, the program could generate $37.6bn annually, rivaling the combined funding of Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while 5% participation could generate $9.4bn. However, actual participation remains uncertain, with comparable state programs typically attracting only 1%-3% of eligible taxpayers. Potential barriers include limited public awareness, administrative burdens, donors’ ability to contribute, and some states’ reluctance to participate.

E-rate review raises funding concerns

Education and technology groups are raising concerns that the Federal Communications Commission’s review of the $3bn E-rate program could restrict or potentially end a critical source of broadband funding for schools and libraries. Established in 1996, E-rate provides discounted connectivity that now supports not only classroom technology, but also essential operations, including security systems, HVAC controls, and school bus tracking. Advocates argue that concerns about student screen time should be addressed through curriculum decisions rather than changes to connectivity funding. Schools and libraries received more than $13bn through E-rate between 2021 and 2025, with higher discounts going to lower-income communities. Aldine Independent School District in Houston, where nearly all 50,000 students are economically disadvantaged, has received about $11m from the program over the past five years. Aldine Superintendent LaTonya Goffney warned that reducing E-rate support would create an immediate budget shortfall that could force the district to redirect money from teachers, programs, and other services.

LEGAL

Oakland programs face civil rights complaint

Conservative nonprofit Defending Education has filed a federal civil rights complaint against Oakland USD, alleging that several academic support and mentoring programs discriminate against white students and, in some cases, male or female students. The complaint focuses in part on the district’s “Latino Men and Boys” program, which supports Latino male students ages 12 to 18 through mentoring, academic engagement, career development, and health initiatives. Defending Education argues that Oakland USD unlawfully excludes other students because it does not offer comparable programs for white students. The complaint also challenges programs serving Latinx young women, preschool boys of color, and students dealing with attendance, behavioral, safety, and relationship issues. Oakland Unified did not respond to a request for comment. The Unity Council, which partners with the district on some of the programs, says its Latino Men and Boys initiative was expanded in 2019 to include female-identified and nonbinary youth. A 2024 agreement with Oakland Unified also cited low achievement, attendance problems, harassment, safety concerns, and language barriers as reasons for expanding support, with funding for one mentoring program increasing from $150,000 to $430,064 for the 2024-25 school year.

WORKFORCE

Teachers gain ground in speech cases

Teachers disciplined or fired for social media posts following the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have increasingly prevailed in legal challenges. An Education Week analysis found that most of more than a dozen lawsuits have been settled or decided in educators’ favor, raising questions about how schools should balance employees’ First Amendment rights with concerns about workplace disruption. Georgia teacher Michelle Mickens, who criticized Kirk on her private Facebook page while condemning his killing, settled a wrongful termination lawsuit for nearly $300,000. South Carolina teaching assistant Lauren Vaughn has an ongoing lawsuit, while Texas teacher Jennifer Courtemanche reached an undisclosed settlement after being fired over her posts. In Texas, roughly 350 teachers were targeted for investigations, although nearly all state-level complaints were eventually dropped. The cases highlight how social media has complicated established free-speech protections for public employees, as private posts can quickly spread, generate complaints and threats, and pressure districts to act. 

STEM

Afterschool STEM programs expand, but rural students face access gaps

STEM education has become increasingly common in afterschool programs, with 92% of parents reporting that their child’s program offered science, technology, engineering, or math activities in 2025, up from 73% in 2020, according to the Afterschool Alliance. However, significant geographic disparities remain: only 39% of rural parents said their children participated in STEM activities at least twice a week, compared with 67% of urban parents. Broader access to afterschool programs also remains limited. Parents of nearly 30 million children wanted afterschool programming in 2025, but only 7 million were able to enroll. The Afterschool Alliance said rural areas face particular challenges because of fewer programs, staff, funders, universities, and other STEM resources, while 85% of families living more than 30 miles from a metropolitan area reported access to a STEM component, compared with 96% of urban families.

GOVERNANCE

Obinata aims for school board seat

Meilin Obinata is running for a seat on the Pajaro Valley USD board, motivated by her positive experiences in the district. “My family benefited from this public education system called Pajaro Valley Unified School District,” she said, emphasizing her desire to ensure a quality education for current students. Obinata, a senior admissions college counselor, aims to implement a strategic plan addressing student achievement and financial transparency. She advocates for “loving accountability” in district administration and believes in the importance of public input in decision-making. Obinata also supports art education and hands-on learning to enhance student engagement. With endorsements from the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, she urges voters to prioritize their children's futures in the upcoming election on Nov. 3. More information on her campaign can be found at Meilin4PVUSD.com.

New superintendent takes the helm

The Sausalito Marin City School District has appointed Steven Richardson as interim superintendent, with a contract running through June 2028 at a salary of $275,000. Richardson, who has experience in educational leadership, expressed his commitment to the district, stating: "I’m excited about the opportunity to lead this district." He will oversee the education of approximately 8,700 students and aims to enhance the district's performance. The district has faced challenges in recent years, and Richardson's leadership is expected to bring positive changes.  

SMMUSD welcomes new communications chief

The Santa Monica-Malibu USD has appointed Thomas Piland as its new chief communications officer, announced during its recent board meeting. Piland brings over a decade of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and crisis response. Previously, he served as U.S. marketing director for Ayming and worked at The Recording Academy.

DISTRICTS

New green spaces transform school life

Esperanza Elementary School in Westlake has undergone a significant transformation, increasing its green space from 9% to 37% after a $4.5m greening project. The project, a collaboration between the Los Angeles USD and the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, included the removal of asphalt, planting of 35 trees, and the addition of recreational areas. Principal Brad Rumble noted the calming effect of nature on students and staff, while Tori Kjer, executive director of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, emphasized the need for green spaces in schools, saying: "Every child in LAUSD deserves access to grass to run on." Similar projects are planned for other schools in the area.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Los Angeles USD opens doors to parks

Los Angeles ranks 93rd among the largest 100 U.S. cities in park space, leaving many families, especially in lower-income areas, without safe outdoor spaces. Nick Melvoin, a member of the Los Angeles USD board, advocates for the Community School Park program, which allows LAUSD campuses to serve as neighborhood parks on weekends. "Sometimes solving a big problem doesn't mean building something new," Melvoin said, emphasizing the need to utilize existing school facilities. The city’s Department of Recreation and Parks oversees these parks, but costs are significantly higher than if LAUSD managed them. With Charter Amendment PRK on the ballot this November, Melvoin urges voters to consider funding this program to expand park access, highlighting that opening schools as parks is a cost-effective solution compared to building new parks.

Unity through music at gala

The Long Beach Unity Festival Gala, held on September 10, featured master of ceremonies Tahera Rene Christy and a lively atmosphere filled with music and camaraderie. Felton Williams, former president of the Long Beach USD, captivated the audience with his rendition of “My Girl.” The event aimed to foster unity in underserved communities through music and arts. Special guests included Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Steve Neal, and David Zaid. Awards of Unity Impact were presented to various community figures, while the Unity Champion awardees were Parris Jones and Eric Curbelo. The evening also featured a dance performance by the Cabrillo High School Dance Company, encouraging audience participation.

INTERNATIONAL

First Nations school funding gap

Research commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations estimates C$19bn is needed over 20 years to bring on-reserve school infrastructure up to Canadian standards, including C$16.8bn for schools and C$2.2bn for teacher housing. Of 395 schools studied, 77 require immediate replacement and 227 need additions. Saskatchewan faces the largest replacement burden, while Manitoba and Ontario also require multibillion-dollar investment. Separate estimates identify C$1.52bn in school bus replacement needs over five years and about C$1bn in immediate teacher housing deficiencies.

AND FINALLY......

Finley goes fur a ride

In a heartwarming incident, Finley, a 1-year-old golden retriever, made a dash for a school bus in Farmington, New York, as his siblings boarded. Owner Ashley Miller described how Finley "busted through my legs to get the kids," prompting a frantic chase. Fortunately, Finley slowed down and was welcomed aboard by laughing students. Miller had to lift the 83-pound dog off the bus, which she described as "quite the challenge." Finley, known for his friendly nature and protective instincts, is a beloved companion to Miller's children, including her 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. 
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