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California
15th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools face math crisis

California schools are set to receive their report cards with the upcoming release of state test scores, revealing significant challenges in math achievement. Experts highlighted that only 37% of students met math standards in 2025, a decline from 40% in 2019. Iwunze Ugo, a research fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, noted: “Students move from arithmetic into increasingly complex material like algebra and geometry, with each step building on what came before.” The report from Stanford University’s Getting Down to Facts project indicated that two-thirds of school district leaders did not prioritize math. To address these issues, experts suggested enhancing teacher support and fostering a growth mindset among students. Linda Darling-Hammond, chief knowledge officer of the Learning Policy Institute, mentioned that there has been a 30% increase in fully prepared teachers, but emphasized the need for ongoing funding and support.

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.


 

STATE NEWS

Shaw champions reading, writing, math

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley school board, is campaigning for the position of state superintendent of public instruction, emphasizing a return to fundamental education. "We need reading, writing and math to be the focus," she said, advocating for a classroom free from personal opinions of teachers and administrators. Shaw criticizes California schools for failing to prioritize these basics, citing her district's success as evidence of her approach. However, her campaign has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding policies affecting the LGBTQ community, including a stance against transgender girls in sports. Shaw insists that her focus on traditional education and parental involvement is crucial, stating: "Parents have a seat at the table." If elected, she aims to ensure that funding and resources are directed towards essential subjects and technical career training.

California's new stipend boosts student teachers

California has introduced a new Student Teacher Stipend Program, offering $10,000 to students in teacher preparation programs as they complete their student teaching requirements. This initiative, funded by over $700m, aims to support approximately 12,500 student teachers annually through 2032, addressing the ongoing teacher shortage. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of unpaid student teaching, which has hindered many aspiring educators. Mary Vixie Sandy, executive director of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, noted that the stipend directly addresses these challenges, allowing student teachers to gain essential experience while receiving financial support. Starting next year, additional stipends will be available for those in high-need fields.

California education leaders push to sustain $126m farm to school investment

California’s Farm to School Program has become a major initiative supporting local agriculture and improving student nutrition, with state grants expected to total approximately $126mby 2027, the largest investment of any U.S. state. Launched in 2021 and made permanent through legislation in 2026, the program connects farmers with school districts to provide fresh, locally grown food while supporting agricultural businesses facing rising costs and competition from imports. A recent progress report found that every $1 awarded to farmers generates $2.10 in statewide economic activity, with participating farms reporting increased sales and acreage. Los Angeles USD received a $1m grant in 2024 to expand its operations and food education initiatives. As stakeholders gather in Sacramento for a summit expected to attract up to 900 attendees, uncertainty remains over future funding and political support following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, with education and agricultural leaders calling for sustained investment.

ENROLLMENT

San Francisco USD ends enrollment lottery

San Francisco USD (SFUSD) has voted 5-2 to eliminate its longstanding lottery-based enrollment system in favor of assigning kindergarten students to their neighborhood schools, with the new policy taking effect in fall 2028. Families will retain the option to apply to schools offering specialized programs, including bilingual education, language immersion, special education, and K-8 campuses, but broader school choice will be restricted. Superintendent Maria Su has emphasized the importance of providing families with reliable access to quality schools close to home. Supporters argue that neighborhood-based enrollment could strengthen local school communities and address disparities in resources and enrollment patterns, while critics warn that limiting parental choice could disadvantage families in underserved neighborhoods and accelerate student departures from the district. SFUSD will establish new school attendance boundaries before implementing the changes.

DISTRICTS

Temecula Valley board brawl: censures and chaos

The ongoing conflict among Temecula Valley USD trustees escalated as a scheduled meeting on October 13 was canceled due to insufficient attendance. Board President Joseph Komrosky had proposed censures against fellow trustees Emil Barham and Melinda Anderson, while Steven Schwartz sought the resignation of Anderson and Jen Wiersma. Demonstrators, including teachers and students, protested outside, demanding accountability from elected officials. “Elected leaders must be held accountable,” they chanted. The meeting's cancellation was confirmed by district spokesperson Michael Marble, who noted that only two trustees were present. The next meeting is set for November 17, where the proposed censures may be revisited. The board's infighting has drawn criticism, with community members expressing frustration over the lack of focus on educational priorities. Drew Williams, a member of the Temecula Valley Educators Association, called the situation “embarrassing,” emphasizing the need for the board to prioritize the business of schools.

Baywood Elementary set for major rebuild

Baywood Elementary School in Los Osos is set for a significant transformation, with plans to demolish around three-quarters of its campus as part of a $50m project funded by Measure C-22. The San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission approved the rebuild on October 8, 2026, with assistant superintendent Ryan Pinkerton stating: “Whether we built a new school or we modernized the current school, it was going to be in the $50m range.” While some residents, like Julie Tacker, expressed concerns about environmental impacts and tree removals, others, including parent Quinn Brady, emphasized the importance of modern facilities for equity in education. The project is expected to take about two years, with demolition planned for the summer.

SUSTAINABILITY

Transforming schools: a green revolution

In 2009, students at Eagle Rock Elementary collaborated with Cal Poly Pomona to design a greener campus, leading to significant transformations. However, an EdSource analysis reveals that 26% of Los Angeles USD's (LAUSD) 934 schools still have less than 5% tree canopy. “Imagine standing out on the asphalt. It’s a very hot day,” said Lauren McKenna, a senior program manager for Green Schoolyards America, highlighting the urgent need for shade. Despite LAUSD's 2022 resolution to increase green space to 30% by 2035, progress has been uneven. Currently, only 27% of schools meet greening goals, with funding from a $9bn bond and additional grants. Experts like Kelly Turner emphasize that the diverse climate conditions across Los Angeles require tailored greening solutions. “We want these kinds of greening projects to benefit the students with the most need,” said Claire Latané, a professor at Cal Poly Pomona.  

Playground transformation brings joy

West Putnam Elementary in Porterville has celebrated the opening of its new Green Schoolyard, transforming a previously "dead and uninviting" playground into a vibrant space filled with 50 new trees and drought-tolerant landscaping. The project involved high school students from the Environmental Science Academy, who contributed to the design and implementation of the playground, which now serves as an outdoor classroom. The initiative was supported by a $3.5m grant from CAL FIRE’s Green Schoolyards program, aiming to enhance sustainability and resilience against climate change.  

GOVERNANCE

Placentia-Yorba Linda candidates clash for school board seats

In the upcoming 2026 election, five candidates are competing for two positions on the Placentia-Yorba Linda USD board, with incumbents Todd Frazier and Carrie Buck seeking reelection. Candidates were asked about key issues, including fiscal stability and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Chris Lowe emphasized the need for "disciplined leadership and long-term planning" to address financial challenges, while Barb Buckley highlighted the importance of focusing resources on student needs. Buck also stated: "We need to teach AI literacy," stressing the need for responsible use of technology in classrooms. The election is set for November 3, with ballots already mailed to registered voters.

TECHNOLOGY

Principals harness AI for school improvement

School principals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to address student absenteeism, simplify administrative processes, and support teachers. Derek Cantrell, principal of Allegheny High School in Virginia, developed AI-assisted tools to monitor attendance, disciplinary referrals, teacher observations, and graduation progress. His attendance initiative combines early warnings with opportunities for students to improve their standing and earn rewards. In Delaware, principal Sterling Seeman uses AI-generated prompts to help teachers establish measurable professional goals, reducing administrative preparation time. Meanwhile, Idaho principal Rachel Jensen uses automated student trackers to improve communication and personalise support in online learning. Despite these benefits, school leaders emphasise protecting student data, verifying AI-generated information, and preserving independent thinking. Cantrell summarised his approach: “My philosophy is, people over paperwork,” highlighting how AI enables educators to devote more time to meaningful interactions with students.

Revolutionizing edtech with open platforms

Learning Commons, a nonprofit supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, has launched an open platform aimed at helping edtech companies and schools implement technology effectively. With over 70 partners, including OpenAI and Anthropic, the platform addresses the challenge of ensuring artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content aligns with state standards. Sandra Liu Huang, president of Learning Commons, emphasized the importance of governance in AI, stating, "who gets to lay the groundwork for K-12 AI?" She also highlighted essential questions district leaders should ask AI vendors regarding data origin and alignment with state standards. As districts explore custom tools, the platform aims to prevent major players from monopolizing school technology.

INTERNATIONAL

New AI guidelines call for stronger oversight and safeguards in Australian schools

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) has released new guidance urging the country's schools to prioritize evidence-based teaching practices over the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). The guidance highlights AI’s potential to reduce teacher workloads and support lesson planning, while warning that excessive reliance on the technology could undermine students’ critical thinking, knowledge retention, and independent learning. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has raised concerns about students outsourcing cognitive tasks to AI, with officials considering a return to handwritten NAPLAN assessments. Education leaders have called for measured regulation rather than blanket bans, emphasizing the importance of consulting teachers and principals. AERO has also urged policymakers to establish clear AI guidelines, invest in teacher training and research, and ensure that classroom adoption is guided by established learning science rather than technological enthusiasm.
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