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California
26th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Dual enrollment growth highlights equity gaps

Dual enrollment participation in the United States reached a record 3m students during the 2024–25 academic year, increasing 24% over two years, with community colleges serving approximately 70% of participants. Research suggests that students who earn college credits while in high school are more likely to pursue and complete higher education, potentially reducing tuition costs. However, participation remains uneven, particularly among Black and Hispanic students, boys, English learners, and students with disabilities. Education experts recommend stronger partnerships between high schools and colleges, improved academic advising, flexible eligibility requirements, and courses aligned with transferable college credits and career pathways. With high school students now accounting for nearly a quarter of community college enrollment nationwide, school leaders are encouraged to use their growing influence to secure better support and expand access to these opportunities.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.

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STATE NEWS

California's school choice dilemma

Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a decision on whether California will participate in a federal scholarship tax credit program already adopted by 31 states. The initiative allows taxpayers to receive credits for donations supporting private school scholarships and potentially public school services. Supporters anticipate billions in additional education funding, while critics warn of inadequate oversight, inequitable distribution, and potential harm to public schools. Georgetown University's Marguerite Roza predicts public schools could eventually benefit most, calling contributions a "cost-free donation." With eligibility extending to many higher-income families, concerns remain about accountability and whether funding will reach disadvantaged students.

California schools sleep in for success

California's mandate for later school start times is showing positive results, according to a new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The law, effective since 2022, requires middle schools to start no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools at 8:30 a.m. The study found a 13% increase in students getting at least eight hours of sleep per night, which is crucial for adolescents. Osea Giuntella, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, said: “Rest and sleep are incredibly important in the function of schools.” Improvements in mental health and academic performance were noted, particularly among boys and Hispanic students. However, some parents expressed concerns about the impact on their schedules. Despite challenges, the study emphasizes that later start times are effective tools for enhancing student outcomes. Giuntella suggested that California should collect statewide data to further assess the impact of this reform.

GOVERNANCE

Education races heat up in San Francisco

San Francisco's education landscape is shifting as voters prepare for the upcoming elections this November. Board of Education President Phil Kim, appointed in August 2024, is seeking a full four-year term. He aims to enhance student engagement and resource allocation for teachers, with endorsements from notable figures like Mayor Daniel Lurie. San Francisco USD is also implementing a new neighborhood-based school assignment system to address declining enrollment, which has been an issue since 1999. "The district expects to start closing and merging schools at the end of the 2029-30 school year," officials stated. Meanwhile, City College of San Francisco faces challenges, including low enrollment and financial difficulties, prompting candidates to focus on improving student access and financial stability. With eight candidates vying for three school board seats and various contenders for the City College Board of Trustees, the stakes are high for San Francisco's educational future.

Beverly Hills school election exposes divisions

A contentious school board election in Beverly Hills has exposed deep divisions among parents, educators, and community members over school governance, political influence, and education policies. Incumbent board President Judy Manouchehri faces challenges from Jackie Kruger and Kim Lifschitz, who hope to overturn the board’s conservative-leaning 3–2 majority in the November 3 election. Disputes over budget cuts, school restructuring, flag displays, and allegations of discrimination have fueled heated public meetings, lawsuits, restraining order petitions, and accusations of harassment. While Manouchehri’s supporters credit her leadership with improving academic performance and reducing costs, opponents argue that recent decisions have undermined trust and created a divisive school environment. The race reflects broader national tensions as political and cultural disagreements increasingly influence local school board elections and education policy.

Math wars heat up in Palo Alto

The ongoing debate over mathematics education in Palo Alto USD has intensified, particularly as candidates John Craig and Avery Wang campaign for school board seats. Aditya, a seventh-grader, expressed frustration with the current system, stating: “Now I'm stuck in seventh-grade math, and it's so boring.” The district's 2020 math framework, which eliminated middle school tracking, has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the needs of both struggling and advanced students. Superintendent Jason Glass acknowledged the importance of the issue, saying, “Math is one of the most important, and most debated, subjects in Palo Alto.” Candidates Wang and Craig advocate for reforms that would allow for academic tracking and easier acceleration, while Linda Henigin supports the existing system, emphasizing equity in heterogeneous classrooms. The debate reflects broader concerns about educational equity and achievement gaps among different student demographics.

Trustees on the ballot after strike

The upcoming elections for the Little Lake City School District board are set against the backdrop of a recent teachers' strike that has shaken trust within the district. Candidates are vying for seats previously held by Vice President Hilda Zamora, President Jasmine Sanchez, and former Board member Gina Ramirez, who resigned in May. Susana Ramirez, a candidate for District 1, emphasized the need for “putting students first while supporting the dedicated staff.” In District 2, Gabriel Jimenez, a former Board member, highlighted the importance of financial stability, stating: “I absolutely believe our teachers deserve fair pay and good benefits.” The election is scheduled for November 3, and candidates are focused on restoring trust and improving educational conditions in the district.

Valencia's vision for Santa Barbara

On the campaign trail for the Fifth District Santa Barbara County supervisor position, Ricardo Valencia has emphasized his commitment to affordable housing and working families. "I'm running so everyone in our county can live with dignity," Valencia said, reflecting on his own childhood experiences with housing instability. His progressive platform contrasts with the more pragmatic approach of opponent Maribel Aguilera. Valencia, who has served on the Santa Maria-Bonita School Board, advocates for oversight of ICE activities and supports developing affordable housing through partnerships. He also aims to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy jobs, ensuring that "we leave no worker behind."  

WORKFORCE

David reilly gets a big raise

Elk Grove USD Superintendent David Reilly is set to receive a salary increase of over 7%, raising his annual pay from approximately $352,300 to $378,392, retroactive to July 1. The school board unanimously approved this amendment to his contract, which also extends his tenure through January 1, 2031. Under the new agreement, the district will contribute $26,000 annually to two supplemental retirement plans on Reilly's behalf, with annual increases of $1,000 until maximum contributions are reached.  

TECHNOLOGY

Student feedback shapes school technology purchases

K-12 school districts are being encouraged to incorporate student feedback into educational technology purchasing decisions to improve usability, learning outcomes, and the effectiveness of technology investments. Research from ISTE+ASCD suggests students favor intuitive, customizable tools over unnecessary features, highlighting the importance of involving them in procurement and testing. At New York's Pocantico Hills Central School District, educational technology director Alana Winnick has integrated student input into evaluations of laptops, headphones, interactive displays, and software. Students have provided practical feedback on device weight, screen quality, accessibility, and functionality, helping administrators identify issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Winnick emphasizes that building strong relationships with students enables more meaningful feedback, supports better purchasing decisions, and ensures technology investments reflect the needs of students and educators.

POLICY

Students oppose all-day school phone bans

A national survey by Hopelab and Data for Progress has found that 80% of students oppose all-day cellphone bans in schools, citing concerns about their ability to communicate during emergencies, including school shootings and lockdowns. The survey, which included nearly 1,500 young people ages 13 to 24, found that 64% supported restrictions on cellphone use during classes, highlighting a preference for targeted measures rather than blanket prohibitions. Among high school respondents, 80% attended schools with cellphone restrictions, while 42% reported full-day bans. Approximately 42 states and Washington, D.C., have introduced school cellphone restrictions, with some districts implementing bell-to-bell bans. Researchers have urged schools to establish clear emergency communication protocols and provide accommodations for students who rely on assistive technologies, including translation and reading tools, while balancing safety concerns with efforts to reduce classroom distractions.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Caffeine pouches face school bans as experts warn of health risks

Schools across the U.S. are introducing bans on caffeine pouches amid concerns about their potential health risks, discreet use, and resemblance to nicotine products. The small oral packets, placed between the lip and gum, can contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to approximately two cups of coffee. Health experts warn that excessive consumption can cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures. School districts in New York, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Missouri have restricted the products, citing difficulties identifying their contents and monitoring student use. Although there is no federal minimum purchase age, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children avoid caffeine. Experts are also concerned that teenagers may unknowingly consume excessive amounts by combining pouches with energy drinks and other caffeinated products.

NUTRITION

Delays in federal food standards raise concerns over children’s health and nutrition

More than 100 health, nutrition, and medical experts are urging the Trump administration to release a federal definition of ultraprocessed foods amid delays reportedly linked to food industry pressure. The initiative, a key part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda, aims to address growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases associated with ultraprocessed food consumption. Research indicates that these products account for more than 70% of the U.S. packaged food supply, while children and toddlers obtain approximately 47% to 59% of their calories from them. Experts argue that a standardized definition could support clearer food labeling, healthier school meals, and stronger nutrition policies while encouraging manufacturers to improve their products. Although federal agencies submitted a proposed definition for review in August, its release remains delayed, prompting calls for greater transparency and faster regulatory action.

 
PBS

HIGHER EDUCATION

Federal earnings test threatens college programs

Nearly 2,900 U.S. college programs could fail the Department of Education’s new earnings test, potentially jeopardizing their eligibility for federal student loans, according to an analysis by higher education marketing agency Validated Insights. The test assesses whether graduates earn more than high school graduates in the same state, with 2,880 programs currently falling below the threshold and another 1,995 passing by less than 10%. The failing programs enroll approximately 644,000 students, including more than 308,000 federal borrowers. Undergraduate certificate programs face the greatest risk, with 29% failing, particularly in health care, while associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs show considerably lower failure rates. The report recommends strategies such as integrating industry certifications, expanding paid work-based learning, and improving graduate placement in higher-paying jobs. Federal determinations are expected in early 2027, with programs potentially losing federal loan eligibility as early as the 2028–29 academic year if they fail twice within three years.

UCLA math scores hit new lows

UCLA has reported a significant decline in introductory math scores among first-year students over the past five years, with the percentage of students receiving a grade of D or F, withdrawing, or failing increasing from 6.2% in the 2020-21 school year to 10.7% in the 2025-26 school year. The UC Board of Regents Academic and Student Affairs Committee noted that while high school GPAs for UC applicants have risen, “these indicators obscure challenges in introductory mathematics.” Across the UC system, 18% of first-year students faced similar issues in math classes in 2025-26, up from 13% in 2020-21. The Academic Senate is currently considering whether to recommend reinstating standardized testing for admissions, with a final decision expected by June 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Alberta sets new school flag rules

Alberta will introduce new flag display regulations across all schools on January 4, 2027, requiring schools to fly Canadian and Alberta flags while prohibiting flags intended to promote social or political causes. The rules allow certain cultural, Indigenous, municipal, and international flags to be displayed on designated occasions, with schools able to request exemptions from the provincial government. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the measures aim to keep classrooms politically neutral and focused on learning. However, education advocates, teachers' representatives, and opposition politicians have criticized the restrictions, raising concerns about LGBTQ+ inclusion, Indigenous representation, and additional administrative burdens. Supporters argue that the regulations will provide consistency while maintaining respectful learning environments. The rules will apply to physical and digital displays on school property, including websites and social media accounts, but will not restrict individuals or their personal belongings.
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