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California
16th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California students show slight progress

California students have shown slight improvements in math and English language arts, with 49.3% scoring proficient or advanced in English and 38.4% in math for the 2025-26 academic year. However, these figures remain below pre-Covid levels, where 51.7% and 39.7% met standards in 2018-19, respectively. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, said: “Today’s results tell a story of continued progress, but also of the work that remains ahead.” Disparities persist, particularly among racial and socioeconomic groups, with Black and Latino students making gains but still lagging behind their peers. The achievement gap remains significant, with 61.1% of socioeconomically disadvantaged students not meeting English standards. Despite investments in literacy programs, early reading proficiency has not improved significantly yet.

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

California graduation rates hit record high

California's graduation rates reached a decade high of 87.9% in the 2025-26 school year, according to the California School Dashboard released on Thursday. Governor Gavin Newsom said, “these results provide important evidence that our sustained investments are making a difference.” However, challenges remain, as chronic absenteeism is still above pre-pandemic levels at 18.3%, and suspension rates have only minimally decreased to 2.8%. Disparities persist among student groups, with African American and foster youths facing higher suspension rates. The dashboard also highlights improvements in college readiness, with nearly 55% of graduates meeting the basic requirements for California State University and University of California systems. Troy Flint from the California School Boards Association emphasized the need for more students to meet standards in English and math, stating, “a certain percentage of students are being pushed through without gaining the knowledge and skills.”

California schools spend big on arts

California schools utilized nearly 96% of their $1bn Proposition 28 funds for the 2023-2024 school year, primarily hiring new arts educators and expanding programs. However, about $34.4m remained unspent, leading to deductions in future allocations. Kyle Holmes, director of the California County Superintendents Statewide Arts Initiative, said: “These expenditure numbers reflect that extraordinary collective effort, but they also give us a roadmap for what comes next.” While most districts spent their funds effectively, confusion over spending rules and a lack of guidance hindered some schools. New legislation, Assembly Bill 2440, aims to enhance transparency and ensure funds are used appropriately for arts education. Holmes emphasized the goal of equitable access to arts education, stating: “Our goal is that as many of our students in California as possible can have more equitable access to arts education.”

California's education showdown: Shaw vs. Barrera

The race for California's state superintendent is heating up between Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera, who recently debated their visions for education. Shaw, president of the Chino Valley USD, received 24.5% of the primary vote, while Barrera, president of the San Diego USD, garnered 19.3%. With the role's power shifting due to Assembly Bill 181, both candidates acknowledged the pressing issues of literacy and math skills in California. Shaw emphasized fighting AB 181 in court, while Barrera focused on collaboration and reform. Shaw's comments on chronic absenteeism raised concerns about her preparedness, as she stated: “Sorry I can't even speak right now, I'm just so confused on all these buzzwords that Richard keeps throwing around.” The debate devolved into personal attacks, highlighting the ideological divide in their approaches to education reform.  

NATIONAL NEWS

DOJ guidance raises special education concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new guidance indicating it will no longer rely on the landmark 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. decision when enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), raising concerns about potential implications for K-12 special education. The ruling established that unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities constitutes discrimination and emphasized access to community-based services. Researchers warn that the DOJ's revised enforcement approach could discourage schools from prioritizing independent living skills in transition planning for students with disabilities. However, the guidance does not overturn Olmstead or change existing requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates transition planning beginning by age 16, including independent living goals when appropriate. Vanderbilt University special education professor Meghan Burke has emphasized that schools must continue preparing students for employment, further education, and community living, despite uncertainty surrounding federal enforcement priorities.

GOVERNANCE

Temecula school board's drama continues

The Temecula Valley USD board is embroiled in controversy as it attempted to vote on motions to censure members and demand resignations. The meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum, as reported by The Riverside Press-Enterprise. Proposed censures included allegations against board clerk Melinda Anderson for allegedly planting a device under the desks of fellow members, which is under police investigation. Board President Joseph Komrosky and member Steven Schwartz also suggested censures against Emil Barham and Jen Wiersma, respectively. Drew Williams from the Temecula Valley Educators Association expressed frustration, stating, “We’re focused on this nonsense instead of actually doing the business of the schools, and what’s best for the students.”

Santa Clara school board election results certified

Three members of the Santa Clara USD board, Vickie Fairchild, Jodi Muirhead, and Andrew Ratermann, will continue their roles without appearing on the November ballot due to unopposed elections. The board's unanimous vote on October 8 certified these results, as California Education Code mandates cancellation of elections with only one candidate. Muirhead, entering her fourth term, previously faced competitive elections in 2014 and 2018. Meanwhile, Trustee Jim Canova is facing a challenge from Kamal Yassin, who emphasized the need for "fresh eyes" on the board. Yassin, endorsed by the SCUSD teacher union, advocates for community engagement in decision-making, especially amid declining property tax revenue. Canova, supported by state Rep. Ro Khanna, highlights his commitment to local communities.  

Elk Grove school board elections heat up

The Elk Grove USD Board of Education is gearing up for elections this November, with three seats contested. Incumbents Michael Vargas and Delia Baulwin are running for re-election against challengers Kirk Thomson and Craig Townsend, respectively. Vargas, an attorney, emphasized his commitment to "constant improvement" in education, while Thomson aims to promote transparency regarding policies affecting transgender students. Baulwin, who has focused on special education support, seeks to expand career pathways for students. In Area 5, candidates Varinder Singh, Elena Trukhan, and Rachell Reinwald are vying for the seat, each with distinct priorities, including fiscal responsibility and enhancing arts programs. 

Election excitement in Lucia Mar

The Lucia Mar USD in Arroyo Grande is gearing up for a significant election on November 3, with four board seats contested by ten candidates. Incumbents Andrea Naemi-Vergne, Colleen Martin, Eilene Pham, and Donna Kandel face challenges from various educators and community members. The candidates represent diverse perspectives on pressing issues, including the rights of transgender athletes and recent book bans. Anna Cordero, an eighth-grade teacher, emphasized the need for “working with the educators in the classroom to build the supports,” while Sarah Moreland highlighted her concerns about low literacy rates.  

FINANCE

Vote no on Measure ES now!

In an opinion piece, Jeff Peak urges Santa Monica residents to vote against Measure ES on the November 3 ballot, arguing it shifts a $12m funding responsibility from the City to property owners without generating new revenue for schools. He highlights that the City already allocates this amount from its budget and questions the necessity of the funding given the Santa Monica-Malibu USD's recent financial surplus of $6m. Peak states: “It’s an expensive, permanent and unfair burden on Santa Monica residents and property owners,” emphasizing that the measure would disproportionately affect lower-income residents. He calls for a gradual reduction in the City’s contribution instead of passing the financial burden onto property owners.

DISTRICTS

Redlands schools reaffirm balanced content

The Redlands USD has revised its policies regarding "controversial issues" and the balance of materials in school libraries. The school board approved these changes during a meeting on October 13, with a vote of 3-2. The updated policy emphasizes the importance of presenting materials "in a balanced manner, addressing all sides of issues without bias or prejudice." It aims to support an understanding of diverse perspectives in the U.S. The new administrative regulation mandates that school library collections must strive for a balanced selection of books and media. Trustee Candy Olson previously raised concerns about perceived imbalances in library content, particularly regarding political biographies. The revised policies reflect the district's commitment to fostering intellectual exploration and critical thinking.

LEGAL

Racism lawsuit rocks Mountain View High

Amir Ware, a former student at Mountain View High School, has filed a lawsuit against the Mountain View Los Altos High School District, alleging years of racial discrimination and emotional distress. The lawsuit claims that Ware faced severe racism, including being called the N-word and having a fabricated quote attributed to him in the yearbook that referenced George Floyd's last words: "I can't breathe." Despite complaints to Principal Kip Glazer and Superintendent Eric Volta, no investigation occurred. Ware stated: "He was ostracized by his peers and experienced daily distress at school." The lawsuit seeks accountability for the alleged negligence and lack of support from school officials. Ware, who is now on the track team at College of San Mateo, expressed disappointment over the school's handling of the situation, including a yearbook correction that only drew more attention to the issue.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Students rally for pride flag

Students and community members gathered outside Sonoma Valley High School Tuesday to protest the removal of the pride flag, which had flown since 2019. “We have to make sure that flag stays up. … So it's a reminder that you can't erase history,” said Andy Amezquita, a junior at the school. The protest, organized by local social justice groups and student organizations, drew at least 250 participants who expressed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The Sonoma Valley USD's new flag policy, approved by a 3-2 vote, restricts the display of symbolic flags to those chosen by the school board. Activists argue that the decision disregards public opinion favoring the pride flag's presence. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Malibu schools brace for power shutoffs

With Southern California Edison warning of dangerous fire weather, the Santa Monica-Malibu USD is preparing for potential power shutoffs at Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High schools. Superintendent Antonio Shelton said: "The safety of our students and staff is our priority," as backup generators are on standby.  
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