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California
17th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Parents push back against AI in schools

At Balboa High in San Francisco, parents are expressing concerns over the use of AI in classrooms, particularly an AI-powered literacy program from Amira Learning. Nearly 1,000 parents and teachers have signed a petition urging the district to limit screen time and AI tools, stating, “Our request is not to eliminate supportive technology, but to ensure it is used intentionally.” This movement reflects a broader national backlash against technology in education, with calls for restrictions on mobile devices and generative AI. Parents like Lisa Swan have voiced their worries about the lack of communication regarding AI tools, emphasizing the need for transparency. Amira Learning's CEO, Mark Angel, defended the program, clarifying that it is not generative AI but rather a supportive tool designed to enhance reading skills.

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. 

 

TECHNOLOGY

AI in schools: a double-edged sword

Millions of students are increasingly using AI chatbots for academic and emotional support, raising concerns about data privacy. As AI becomes integral to education, New York City and Los Angeles have paused student access to AI tools for a year to evaluate their impact. Microsoft has agreed to implement privacy standards for its AI in schools, stating, “This standard sets a high bar for child privacy and AI safety.” The agreement prohibits using student data for AI training and aims to prevent emotional dependency on AI tools. AFT President Randi Weingarten called it the “first of its kind,” emphasizing the need for parental and educator control over education. Experts like Elizabeth Laird noted that the agreement could shift the burden of privacy protection to tech companies, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards.

NATIONAL NEWS

ABA providers push for greater classroom access

Private equity-backed providers of applied behavior analysis (ABA) are increasing campaign contributions and lobbying efforts as states consider tighter oversight, Medicaid reimbursement limits, and rules governing private therapists’ access to public schools. Rapid growth in Medicaid spending on ABA has attracted private equity investment, while recent federal audits and state concerns about costs have prompted proposals to cap services and payments, strengthen provider standards, and scrutinize billing. Schools are emerging as a focus of the policy debate. Florida, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania have enacted measures providing private autism therapy technicians with greater classroom access, while Colorado requires districts to establish policies for medically necessary services. School administrators have raised concerns about liability, oversight of privately employed therapists, and lost instructional time, while supporters have pushed for greater access to ABA services during the school day.

LEGAL

Judge rules on student gender rights

In a significant ruling, San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Michael Sachs determined that schools cannot be compelled to disclose students' gender identities but must respond to parental inquiries. "There is no requirement that the school district, on its own, after learning of transgender issues, contact parents," Sachs said. This decision upholds parents' constitutional rights to information while maintaining California's prohibition against mandatory notifications about a student's gender. The ruling arose from a challenge to the Chino Valley USD's policy, which required notifying parents of any requests by students to use different pronouns or participate in activities inconsistent with their biological sex. The court found that such policies could lead to discrimination against transgender students. Chino Valley's board president, Sonja Shaw, criticized the ruling, arguing it undermines parental rights.

ENROLLMENT

Los Angeles USD faces enrollment crisis

Los Angeles USD is grappling with a significant enrollment decline of about 4% this year, prompting discussions about potential campus closures. Superintendent Andrés Chait emphasized the need for a community dialogue, stating: “When schools become very small, it can be harder to provide the full range of opportunities our students deserve.” Despite the enrollment drop, the district is moving forward with a multibillion-dollar modernization plan, including $9bn in bonds approved by voters. However, financial strain is evident, with Chief Financial Officer Saman Bravo-Karimi noting that the enrollment decline has added a $60m challenge to this year's budget. The district's future remains uncertain, as it faces a potential deficit of $3.5bn by June 30, 2029, alongside ongoing discussions about balancing safety upgrades and downsizing operations.

WORKFORCE

Teachers score pay raise victory

Placer Union High School District teachers will receive a 4.9% ongoing pay increase following the board's approval of a new two-year contract with the Associated Teachers of Placer. This increase, retroactive to July 1, is projected to cost the district approximately $1.35m in salaries and benefits for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The contract also includes a future salary increase in 2027-28, based on state-funded cost-of-living adjustments. Elena DalFavero, assistant superintendent of human resources, praised the collaborative efforts of both bargaining teams, particularly highlighting Jacob Fefer's leadership. “His commitment to working together was instrumental in reaching an agreement that supports our educators and strengthens our district,” she said. The agreement also introduces signing bonuses for hard-to-fill positions and maintains existing health benefits.

FINANCE

Santa Clara USD tackles $32.6m deficit

The Santa Clara USD has concluded its fiscal year with a $32.6m shortfall, marking the third consecutive year of operating deficits. Although property tax income increased compared to 2024, it still fell short of the district's 40-year growth average, coming in over $200,000 below projections. Deputy Superintendent Mark Schiel noted that high interest and mortgage rates are hindering home sales, which affects property reappraisals. In June, the board authorized a transfer of nearly $31m from rainy day funds to cover the deficit, with the remainder sourced from the district's OPEB account. SCUSD is now anticipating a $13m deficit for the current fiscal year, following $22m in spending cuts and over 100 employee terminations. “Last year was tough,” Schiel said, emphasizing the ongoing challenges of declining enrollment and budget management.

DISTRICTS

International students thrive in Orange County

International students are increasingly drawn to Orange County for its educational opportunities, as highlighted by Jeffrey Gao, a graduate student at New York University, who said: “Education was a main consideration.” Schools like Capistrano Valley Christian Schools and Oxford Academy have developed international student programs that enhance the educational experience for all students. These programs not only help international students acclimate but also foster multicultural exchanges that benefit domestic students. Despite recent federal visa restrictions, Orange County remains a popular destination for international families, with Rob Birdsell, executive vice president of Amerigo, noting that “Orange County has stayed pretty steady, if anything, grown.” The presence of international students enriches the local education landscape, providing diverse perspectives and experiences.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Heat stress in classrooms sparks concern

As extreme heat continues to affect classrooms in Santa Barbara, teachers are raising alarms about the impact on students' health and learning. Kat Ross, a teacher at Santa Barbara High, noted that students are experiencing "heat stress, lethargy and difficulty concentrating." With temperatures soaring, some classrooms reached up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Teachers like Victoria Aguirre emphasized the need for air conditioning, stating, "Heat waves are more frequent and lasting longer than ever before." The Goleta Union and Santa Barbara USDs are exploring options for cooling solutions, including potential HVAC installations, but funding and infrastructure challenges remain.  

Check your hand soap now!

Californians are urged to inspect hand soap products following a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involving six soaps distributed across California and 14 other states. The recall, initiated on June 29 and classified on September 11, affects over 2,600 cases of soap potentially contaminated with bacteria that can lead to infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. "Stop using the soap immediately," health officials recommend, advising consumers to check UPC numbers and lot codes against the recall notice. The affected products include various brands such as Intercon and Laura Lynn. Californians should monitor for signs of infection and consult healthcare providers if symptoms arise.

FURTHER EDUCATION

California colleges shine in rankings

California boasts two of the top 10 colleges in the U.S., according to Niche's 2027 Best Colleges in America list. Stanford University ranked No. 2, receiving an overall grade of A+, while the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) secured the No. 6 spot, also with an A+ grade. Niche evaluated over 4,000 institutions based on factors like academics, value, and student life. “A research university and a college built around social mobility can both be excellent, just by different measures,” said Niche economist Allison Shrivastava. The rankings aim to provide a comprehensive view of colleges, emphasizing that “colleges aren't one-size-fits-all,” as noted by Niche founder Luke Skurman.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC Davis soars in free speech ranking

The University of California, Davis has achieved a remarkable improvement in its free speech ranking, moving up over 200 spots to 24th place out of 262 universities, according to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). This year's survey, which involved nearly 63,000 students, assessed their comfort in expressing controversial opinions and the campus's response to speech controversies. Chancellor Gary S. May emphasized the university's commitment to the First Amendment, stating, “We recognize that free speech can be uncomfortable and even at times hurtful to members of our community.” Despite the progress, UC Davis still faces challenges, particularly regarding student acceptance of non-peaceful protests. Overall, FIRE reported a slight decline in students supporting disruptive actions against speakers, yet the state of free speech on campuses remains concerning, as noted by FIRE CEO Greg Lukianoff.
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