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California
14th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Schools seek better English learner support

School districts are facing significant challenges in supporting approximately 5m English learners across the U.S. A recent Education Week special report highlights key issues and offers practical solutions. One major concern is the early assessment of English learners' needs, particularly in California, where legislation now exempts transitional kindergarten students from standardized testing to avoid misidentification. Almudena Abeyta, superintendent of the Chelsea district, emphasized the urgency of helping older English learners acquire essential language skills quickly, stating: “It's a lot, and the teachers have to work extremely hard at making it work.” Additionally, districts are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence tools to communicate with non-English-speaking families, although concerns about accuracy and privacy remain. The report underscores the need for tailored support and innovative strategies to effectively assist English learners.

AUTHENTIC MATH LEARNING

See Math Centers Bring Authentic Learning to Life

Math is everywhere — and meaningful learning happens when students explore it in action. California Reveal Math puts students at the center through mathematical discourse and hands-on exploration, with Math Centers built into every K–8 unit that challenge them to model, apply, and discuss what they're learning. Five integrated centers — Let's Build Fluency!, Let's Model the Math!, Let's Apply the Math!, Personalized Learning, and ALEKS Adaptive Learning — support partner, small-group, or independent practice, with built-in guidance that helps teachers respond to student needs in the moment.

See it in action: watch how K–5 classrooms build understanding through meaningful connections, and how grades 6–8 deepen thinking through exploration, reasoning, and real-world application.


 

FINANCE

Budget cuts lead to school closures

Sonoma County's largest school district has faced significant budget challenges, leading to the closure of six campuses and approximately 270 layoffs. The restructuring, which is part of a two-year plan, resulted in $3.3m savings from elementary school closures and $5.9m from middle schools. Lisa August Hulme, the district's chief business officer, said: “By combining, we're able to actually realize a little bit more on the savings.” The district's projected savings of $8.6m after the first year turned into $2.5m more in actual savings, partly due to a new schedule at Elsie Allen High School. The district is also consolidating wellness programs, which has led to a reduction in school therapists. Future savings from additional school closures will be assessed after the 2026-27 school year.

Cancy McArn tackles budget crisis

Cancy McArn, the new Superintendent of Sacramento City Unified, is navigating a significant financial deficit while prioritizing local governance. With nearly 30 years in the district, McArn inherited a budget crisis but remains optimistic, stating: “I really do believe we’re gonna come out stronger.” The district is implementing a multiyear financial recovery plan to avoid state receivership, which would strip local control. Despite warnings of potential insolvency, McArn asserts that the district has sufficient funds to last through the school year. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on student outcomes, particularly for underserved groups, saying, “We can’t stop focusing on our kids to deal with the budget because the kids are why we’re here.” McArn aims to rebuild trust among stakeholders while addressing the district's financial challenges.

DISTRICTS

Parents demand local school options

Rebecca Kee, executive director of the S.F. Parents Coalition, highlights the ongoing struggle for parents in San Francisco to secure local school placements for their children. In a recent survey, 75% of parents expressed that having a school close to home is their top priority. Kee noted: "Parents want predictability and meaningful choice," emphasizing the need for a new assignment system that allows families to apply to other schools if their local option does not meet their needs. The San Francisco Board of Education is set to decide on a new system that could take effect in fall 2028, with two plans under consideration. The proposed changes aim to ensure that families have guaranteed access to nearby schools while still allowing for flexibility in school choice.

Santa Monica and Malibu High schools shine

Santa Monica High School and Malibu High School have been recognized among the best in the nation in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, which assessed nearly 18,000 public schools. Santa Monica High ranked No. 562 nationally, while Malibu High ranked No. 953. Both schools showed significant improvement from the previous year, with Santa Monica High rising from No. 777 and Malibu High from No. 2,009. 

GOVERNANCE

Kern County Board elections heat up

The Kern County Board of Education, primarily a support entity for local school districts, is facing a pivotal election with four of its seven seats up for grabs. Incumbents Julie Beechinor-Towse and Joe Marcano are uncontested, while District 3 sees a competitive race between Mary Margaret Little, Anastasia Hopper, and Regina Velasquez. Hopper, a newcomer, aims to address literacy gaps, stating, "we're really behind," while Little emphasizes fiscal transparency and student safety. In District 7, incumbent Lorena Joy “Lori” Cisneros faces challengers Ernie Bell Jr. and Jeanine Adams, who advocate for a focus on education over political issues. 

Inda Karlsen aims for school board

Jacqueline Inda Karlsen, an activist known for her immigrant rights work, is running for Trustee Area 1 of the Santa Barbara USD. "The one factor children have that helps them find their own identity and their own voice is our school district," Inda Karlsen said. She aims to replace Gabe Escobedo, who is running for City Council, and is focused on collaboration and upgrading classroom facilities. Supported by the Santa Barbara Teachers Union and the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party, she emphasizes the need for the district to work with local organizations, especially in light of a $5.4m budget deficit.  

Vote for change in Paso Robles

In the upcoming election for the Paso Robles Joint USD, voters will choose three candidates for the school board. Incumbent Jim Cogan is running in Trustee Area 1 against retired educator Thomas Apkarian. In Trustee Area 2, business CEO Brian Maxted faces current San Miguel trustee Randy Kwiatkowski, while local dad John Rowins competes against compliance director Jennifer Hamm in Trustee Area 4. Cogan emphasized the importance of “maintaining budget discipline” to support teachers and student opportunities.

Harris takes the helm at Rincon Valley

Matthew Harris, the former Petaluma City Schools chief, has been appointed as the interim superintendent of Rincon Valley USD. Harris will serve until a permanent replacement is found, with a contract extending through the school year and a base salary of $169,091.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Windsor schools face urgent repairs

Windsor's public education system is facing significant challenges, with nearly 5,000 students attending schools in deteriorating conditions. Heather Bailey, Windsor USD's communication manager, said: “You can't out-maintenance something like that,” referring to the aging infrastructure. Research from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that students in poor building conditions score 6% lower on standardized tests compared to those in better facilities. The district is proposing a $96m bond to fund essential repairs, including roofs, HVAC systems, and classroom upgrades. Superintendent Jeremy Decker emphasized that the bond would not increase property taxes but extend existing ones. The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Measure J, highlighting the importance of providing students with conducive learning environments.

WORKFORCE

Why teacher preparation is crucial

As education systems face significant challenges, Hannele M. Niemi, an education advocate and author, emphasizes the urgent need for investment in teacher preparation. "Improving education must begin with teachers," she said, highlighting that the quality of education relies on well-prepared educators. With a current global shortage of 50m teachers needed by 2030, according to UNESCO data, Niemi argues that simply recruiting more teachers is insufficient. Instead, she advocates for creating supportive professional conditions that enable teachers to thrive. The OECD's Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) underscores the importance of teachers in guiding students through the complexities of learning in a technology-driven world. "Teachers are essential in helping students become independent, critical thinkers," Niemi noted, stressing the need for ongoing professional development and resources to attract and retain educators.

Chico State grant addresses teacher shortages

Chico State University has secured an $8m federal Teacher Quality Partnership Grant to address rural teacher shortages in Northern California. Through its ROOTS program, 60 aspiring educators will receive $42,000 stipends while completing yearlong teaching residencies, earning credentials and master's degrees. The initiative will train four cohorts of 15 residents alongside experienced mentors, followed by continued professional support. An estimated 170 elementary teachers are needed regionally for 2026–27. Jennifer Oloff-Lewis, the project's lead, emphasized the financial support, stating: "We're paying them to be in this experience." 

FURTHER EDUCATION

Panic at California community colleges

California community colleges are facing increasing panic due to immigration enforcement actions on campuses. Kevin Walthers, president of Allan Hancock College, said: "If ICE agents want to come and walk in the middle of campus, they can do that." Recent incidents include arrests of students' family members and ICE agents using college parking lots as staging areas. In response, colleges are implementing policies and signage to deter immigration enforcement, but college leaders admit their power is limited. The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office has been vocal about protecting students without legal status, while local organizations like 805 UndocuFund are providing resources to support affected students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Elite universities revive SAT requirements

Many elite universities are reinstating standardized testing requirements, including the SAT, for college admissions. Christian Lee, a senior at Santa Teresa High School, expressed the stress of preparing for the SAT during a busy season, saying: “It was during a really busy season for me, so I was super stressed out doing it.” This shift comes as colleges seek objective measures to assess applicants' readiness, reversing the trend of test-optional policies that emerged during the COVID pandemic. Yale has announced that it will require standardized tests for the 2026-27 admissions cycle, joining other prestigious institutions like Stanford and Columbia. While some colleges, such as those in the University of California system, still do not require tests, the pressure is mounting for students aiming for top schools. Bari Sholomon, a counselor, noted that “college applications and college admissions are stressful no matter what,” highlighting the added pressure of standardized testing.

INTERNATIONAL

Thunberg joins French student protests

French high school students, joined by activist Greta Thunberg, are protesting against poor school conditions, including teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms. The movement, now in its fourth week, has seen demonstrations and blockades across the country. Thunberg stated: "They should know that all over the world we are following these developments. We are inspired by the young people who are demanding their basic rights." The protests have led to clashes with police, resulting in injuries and arrests. Education Minister Edouard Geffray reported that around 200 schools were closed due to safety concerns related to the protests. The government is under pressure to address these issues amid rising national debt and a looming presidential election.

OTHER

The Balancing Act returns with a bang

The Balancing Act, a podcast hosted by New Jersey teachers Joe Vitale and Jamie Wanko, has launched its fourth season, featuring new partnerships and high-profile guests, including U.S. Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker. Since its inception in 2023, the podcast has released over 100 episodes, focusing on the challenges educators face while balancing teaching and parenting. “For us, The Balancing Act is more than just a podcast. It's a community,” said Vitale. The new season includes segments developed with Teachers' Insurance Plan of NJ and NJ School Jobs, addressing issues like teacher burnout and technology management. New episodes are available every Tuesday on major podcast platforms.
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