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California
18th September 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Federal judge overturns Education Department policy targeting DEI-related grants

A federal judge has struck down a U.S. Department of Education policy requiring the termination of grants supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ruling that the directive was arbitrary and capricious. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley found that the policy lacked clear criteria for determining which programs constituted DEI and failed to consider the impact of cancellations on teachers and teacher-training programs. The department announced in February 2025 that it was canceling more than $600m in grants, with more than 90% of awards under two K-12 teacher preparation programs ultimately terminated. The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by eight Democratic-led states, although separate claims seeking to recover terminated funding would need to proceed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

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. 

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Military-grade weapons at California schools draw oversight scrutiny

Police departments at some California K-12 schools have failed to fully comply with a 2021 state law requiring annual public disclosure and oversight of military-grade equipment. Nine of the state’s 21 public school police forces have purchased equipment including semi-automatic rifles, less-lethal launchers, and smoke grenades, while five had not published required reports in the past year before inquiries from CalMatters. Los Angeles School Police reported possessing 112 semi-automatic rifles and 104 bean-bag shotguns, while Twin Rivers Unified approved an equipment-use policy in May after owning military equipment for more than 20 years. School districts say the equipment is intended for extraordinary threats, including active-shooter situations, while some parents and educators have raised concerns about training, transparency, and the impact of military-style weapons on school communities.

Experts urge simpler, age-appropriate lockdown drills

School safety experts and research distinguish routine lockdown drills from more intense active shooter simulations, despite the terms often being used interchangeably. Lockdown drills generally involve locking doors, turning off lights, and moving out of sight, while active shooter simulations can include actors, simulated gunfire, fake blood, and nonlethal projectiles. In a piece for The Conversation Emily Greene-Colozzi, assistant professor of criminology and justice studies at UMass Lowell cites studies that suggest lockdown drills may improve preparedness, reduce fear, and potentially limit casualties. She also notes that evidence on high-intensity simulations is mixed, and that concerns remain about psychological harm. Experts recommend age-appropriate, neutral approaches, particularly for younger children, but inconsistent terminology, policies, and practices across states make it difficult to assess the overall benefits and risks of school preparedness drills.

WORKFORCE

Paid leave could retain teachers

Schools and states could help retain teachers by expanding paid parental leave and providing stronger workplace accommodations for employees returning after childbirth, according to experts. Fewer than a third of states require districts to offer teachers any paid parental leave, and Arkansas and Delaware are the only states providing at least 12 weeks of fully paid leave, leaving many educators dependent on accumulated sick days and unpaid leave. Postpartum teachers can face physical recovery challenges, anxiety, depression, difficulties with lactation, and burnout as they return to demanding classrooms, while schools are required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, recovery, and postpartum conditions. Suggested support includes time for medical appointments, assistance with physically demanding duties, additional classroom help, and longer paid leave, which research has associated with lower postpartum depression rates, stronger mother-child bonding, and better infant health. California is set to expand support by providing educators with 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability beginning January 27.

FINANCE

New plan saves Sacramento schools

Sacramento City USD and the Sacramento City Teachers Association have developed a new strategy to prevent fiscal insolvency after the previous recovery plan was rejected. The new plan aims to provide around $27m in financial relief by utilizing the joint SCUSD-SCTA Retiree Health Fund to cover retiree health benefits for the 2028-29 school year, which are estimated to cost $23m. The fund currently holds about $199.3m and is expected to earn $25m annually in interest. This agreement will not require repayment and will also modify health insurance options for eligible employees starting January 1, 2027. The district will continue to cover the full cost of health plans for eligible employees and their dependents, with potential savings of approximately $4m per year. "The agreement estimates that the changes to the health plans could save the district approximately $4m per calendar year," the report noted.

STATE NEWS

Unlocking scholarships: CalKIDS month arrives

CalKIDS is launching its inaugural CalKIDS Scholarship Month this September, collaborating with county education offices and school districts across California to facilitate scholarship claiming for eligible students. In Los Angeles County alone, over $489m in scholarships is available, with around 71% of public-school students in grades two to twelve qualifying for up to $1,500. “CalKIDS Scholarship Month is about meeting students where they are and making it easier for them to access resources that can help support their education after high school,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. Throughout September, participating schools will host events to assist families in checking eligibility and claiming scholarships. Additionally, high school administrators can access scholarship information through a data-sharing agreement with the California Student Aid Commission. CalKIDS has invested over $2.4bn in scholarships since its launch in 2022, aiding more than 6m California children in pursuing postsecondary education.

POLICY

Student activist challenges tech restrictions

Mateo Gallegos, a student board representative from San Marcos High School, has raised concerns over the Santa Barbara USD's recent technology restrictions, particularly the ban on YouTube. After conducting a survey that revealed 85% of students relied on YouTube for educational support, Gallegos described a meeting with Superintendent Hilda Maldonado as "scary," fearing repercussions for his activism. The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,700 students, highlighted significant negative impacts on learning, with 84% stating the ban hindered their ability to study. Emilio Gonzalez, another student involved, emphasized the need for policies that consider varying access to resources, stating: "You cannot create policies based on the assumption that every student has access to the same resources waiting for them at home." The district acknowledged the importance of student input in shaping technology use policies.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Roseland Elementary gets a makeover

Roseland School District has celebrated the completion of extensive renovations at Roseland Elementary, which cost $18.3m and included new transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, updated parking, and playgrounds. The project was funded partly by a $12m bond passed in 2024. The renovations also included new security features and a designated play area for younger students, addressing long-standing concerns about safety.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Stanford shines in college rankings

Stanford University has secured the No. 2 position in Niche's 2027 list of the best colleges in America, following the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which ranked first. Niche evaluates colleges based on various factors, including academics, athletics, and diversity. Stanford received A+ grades in academics, diversity, and value, with a 4% admission rate. "Niche also named Stanford the top college that accepts the Common App in America," highlighting its strong programs in environmental science and psychology. Other notable California institutions include California Institute of Technology at No. 6 and UCLA at No. 17. Niche's rankings reflect a comprehensive assessment of qualitative and quantitative factors, including student reviews and median earnings post-graduation.

INTERNATIONAL

U.K. teens ranked unhappiest in Europe

U.K. teenagers have recorded the lowest life satisfaction among 29 European countries for the second consecutive PISA survey, according to analysis by The Children's Society. Almost one in five 15-year-olds reported low life satisfaction, while 11.1% said they were unhappy with school, and 43% worried about achieving good grades at school or college. Wider concerns also affected well-being, with four in 10 young people worried about rising prices, and 38% concerned about crime. Girls reported lower satisfaction than boys in several areas, including school, family, appearance, and life overall, with 21.2% unhappy with how they looked. The findings highlight the pressures affecting students both inside and outside the classroom, and the need for greater support for young people's well-being. Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "This isn't a one-off. It's a pattern, and it should be a wake-up call."
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