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California
2nd October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Candidates clash for education's future

The race for California's state superintendent of public instruction is heating up between Sonja Shaw, a conservative Republican, and Richard Barrera, a liberal Democrat. Shaw, who leads the Chino Valley Unified Board of Education, aligns with Trump-era policies and criticizes the current education system as failing due to liberal governance. "On his watch, academic outcomes have declined," she said, referring to Governor Gavin Newsom's administration. Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified Board of Education, advocates for increased funding and community support, stating: "This assault on our immigrant families by the Trump administration absolutely is a real issue." The candidates' contrasting views on education, culture, and governance reflect a broader political divide, with Shaw aiming to attract independents and centrist Democrats, while Barrera seeks to consolidate Democratic support in the upcoming election.

INSTRUCTIONAL COHERENCE

No More Patchwork Literacy: CA Teachers Need Cohesive Resources

It’s time to do away with the countless hours scouring the internet for engaging, authentic texts, supplemental worksheets, foundational skills and everything in between. Piecing together fragmented resources isn’t just exhausting; it creates inconsistent learning experiences for students who need steady, structured growth. When instructional tools lack alignment across grade levels, critical skills fall through the cracks during key transitions. You shouldn't have to act as a curriculum designer on top of everything else you do.   

To truly uphold California’s ELA/ELD Framework, educators deserve a unified, evidence-based instructional approach that meets the needs of every learner, from TK through high school. Consistent, high-quality materials free teachers to focus on what matters most: delivering impactful, engaging instruction. 

Lean in to a TK-12 literacy strategy that empowers teachers and elevates student reading outcomes.

 

STATE NEWS

California's math test law: a game changer?

California has enacted a new law, Senate Bill 1067, mandating basic math skills tests for kindergartners, first, and second graders to address the state's low math proficiency rates. "I'm pleased but this is just a first step," said Carl Pinkston, cofounder of the Black Parallel School Board. The law aims to identify struggling students early and provide necessary support, although it lacks additional funding for schools. The Assembly Appropriations Committee estimates that supporting these students could cost schools tens of m annually. This initiative complements a 2023 law testing young children for dyslexia, targeting at-risk groups. Despite recent improvements, only 37% of California students were proficient in math last year, highlighting the need for ongoing legislative efforts to enhance educational outcomes. Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, the bill's author, emphasized the importance of listening to educators and families to identify gaps in support.

California revamps CTE funding formula

California Governor Gavin Newsom has enacted legislation to reform the state's career technical education (CTE) funding formula, ensuring that all allocated funds reach school districts. Since 2021, California has set aside $300m annually for CTE, with $450m in the current budget. However, over $115m went unspent between the 2021-22 and 2025-26 school years due to an ineffective allocation formula. This led some districts to reduce their CTE programs. The new law mandates a revised allocation formula by the 2027-28 fiscal year. “Today is a win for students and the schools preparing them for the workforce,” said Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, the bill's author, highlighting the importance of these funds for CTE pathways in K-12 education.

California schools shine in rankings

California boasts some of the highest-rated elementary, middle, and high schools in the nation, according to Niche's 2027 Best Schools in America rankings. Evaluating over 93,000 public schools, 30,000 private schools, and 11,000 school districts, Niche assigns grades from A+ to D- to help families find the best educational options. Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche, said: “Families deserve a complete view of their options, whether they're evaluating schools in their area or exploring what's available elsewhere.” While no California school made the top 10 nationally, several received A+ grades, reflecting their strong performance in academics, teachers, resources, and college preparation. Niche aims to provide families with a comprehensive view of schools that goes beyond academic performance alone.

California schools get arts funding boost

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 2440, enhancing flexibility in how school districts utilize arts and music education funding from Proposition 28, which allocates approximately $1bn annually. The new law allows smaller schools to pool resources for hiring arts teachers and ensures that new funds supplement existing spending. "Art and music education is essential for our kids to develop the skills they need in the classroom," said plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for allegedly misusing $76.7 m in Prop 28 funds. The law aims for full implementation by the 2027–28 fiscal year, amidst concerns about fiscal mismanagement within LAUSD, as noted by Lance Izumi of the Pacific Research Institute.

NATIONAL NEWS

Districts confront rising meal debt

School districts across the U.S. are increasingly launching their own fundraising efforts to address rising student meal debt as higher food costs and changes to federal assistance programs put additional pressure on families. Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, which has accumulated more than $1m in meal debt, has opened an online merchandise store whose proceeds will help reduce the districtwide balance, while districts in Iowa and Idaho have pursued community donations and other fundraising initiatives. Districts have also increasingly moved away from denying meals or providing alternative food to students with unpaid balances, instead serving the same meals while seeking payment from families. With meal prices rising and some schools losing the ability to provide universal free meals because of changes in federal eligibility, education leaders expect districts to face continued challenges managing unpaid balances.

Schools urged to prepare for swatting

The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice have issued voluntary guidance urging K-12 schools and colleges to develop plans and train employees to respond to swatting, the practice of making false emergency reports to trigger a law enforcement response. The agencies recommend training staff who may receive threats, establishing teams to evaluate incidents, conducting drills, and improving coordination between campus security and outside law enforcement. Officials said swatting incidents in educational settings have increased in recent years, disrupting learning, causing trauma, and costing taxpayers millions of dollars, while noting that some threats may originate outside the United States. Schools are advised to initially treat reports of violence as credible and prioritize campus safety while determining whether a threat is genuine or a hoax.

FINANCE

Budget battle brews in Sacramento schools

The Sacramento City USD is facing a significant fiscal crisis, with a structural deficit of approximately $222m. Superintendent Cancy McArn dismissed concerns raised by fiscal adviser Luz Cázares regarding the district's budget plan as "unfounded." The district's projections rely on ongoing student-support grant funding and Proposition 98 settle-up funds, which McArn argues are supported by historical funding trends. However, Cázares has set conditions for reinstating a rescinded teachers' agreement, which SCUSD views as crucial for financial relief. McArn emphasized the district's commitment to making necessary cuts and stated: "We are committed to and will continue to do the hard work to make these cuts and identify further cuts." As tensions rise, collaboration between SCUSD and the Sacramento County Office of Education remains uncertain.

ENROLLMENT

Trustees tackle declining enrollment crisis

Trustees for the Santa Clara USD have initiated an investigation into declining enrollment by forming a new boundaries committee. This committee aims to address an almost 800-seat vacancy and will include community stakeholders, district staff, a demographer, and an independent facilitator. The district has struggled to retain students, particularly those rejected from school choice programs like Millikin Basics+ Elementary, which lost 158 students this year alone. The committee will explore the economic disparities in enrollment, as affluent families dominate choice programs, while economically challenged families represent a significant portion of the district's population. 

GOVERNANCE

Fresno County schools race heats up

As Election Day approaches, Fresno County educators are focused on the Superintendent of Schools race, featuring incumbent Michele Cantwell-Copher and challenger Eimear O'Brien. Cantwell-Copher, elected in 2022, emphasizes fiscal responsibility and aims to enhance dual-enrollment and early-childhood education. She has garnered endorsements from notable figures like Fresno County Supervisors Buddy Mendes and Brian Pacheco. O'Brien, who led Clovis Unified from 2017 to 2023, prioritizes early childhood literacy, stating: "My first priority is getting children to read proficiently by third grade." She is supported by Fresno City councilmembers and the District Attorney. The election will determine who oversees more than 30 districts in the county.

TECHNOLOGY

AI cheating crisis in schools

The rise of AI in education has led to significant cheating concerns among teachers, with 70% of teens admitting to using AI for schoolwork, according to a Common Sense Media survey. Paige Wyatt, a former high school English teacher, expressed frustration over the lack of support in addressing AI-related cheating, stating, “We really need real consequences.” While some states have implemented AI guidelines, many documents fail to address cheating directly, focusing instead on AI literacy. Justin Reich, a professor at MIT, noted the urgency of the situation, saying, “This is a major change, and students are already using it.” As educators struggle to find effective solutions, the need for comprehensive policies and support networks becomes increasingly critical.

HIGHER EDUCATION

USC appoints new academic leader

USC has appointed David Madigan, the former provost of Northeastern University, as its new chief academic officer, effective October 13. Madigan aims to restore trust in higher education, stating, “Somehow or other, we've lost our way a little bit.” He will oversee 18 schools and academic units while addressing a significant budget deficit exceeding $200m. Madigan emphasizes the importance of transparency, saying, “These are not for-profit corporations... just clarity about exactly where we stand.” He also plans to adapt USC to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which he believes is transforming research and education. Madigan succeeds Andrew Guzman, who faced challenges regarding free speech and protests during his tenure.
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