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California
19th October 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California student data breach exposes millions

A major cybersecurity breach involving Educational Testing Service (ETS), a provider of standardized testing services for California public schools, has exposed sensitive personal information belonging to millions of current and former students. Hackers used compromised login credentials to access and copy student records between May and September 2026, obtaining names, addresses, birth dates, demographic information, academic identifiers, disability records, and eligibility details for federal education programs. The breach affects students dating back to 2023, with some records extending to 2006, although officials confirmed that Social Security numbers, financial information, and passwords were not compromised. California education authorities are investigating the incident, while ETS has strengthened security monitoring and access controls. Although there is currently no evidence that the stolen information has been publicly released, affected individuals are eligible for 24 months of free identity-protection services and identity-restoration assistance.  

BLENDED LEARNING

An Administrator's Guide to Blended Learning

Online learning doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Explore blended learning with this comprehensive guide from FlexPoint®, which includes:
  • Worksheets to define your school’s needs
  • Outline of blended learning classroom models
  • List of questions to ask curriculum providers
  • Best practices for educator training
  • Instructional strategies and tips
  • Key benefits for you, students, and staff
Download the FlexPoint guide to find the right mix of face-to-face and online instruction for your school or district.

Download Free Guide

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Oregon school tragedy intensifies calls for early intervention and gun violence prevention reforms

A deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old gunman killed three children and a teacher after shooting through a locked entrance, has reignited debate over school safety policies and the effectiveness of physical security measures. While the tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun laws, reinforced school buildings, armed personnel, and enhanced emergency preparedness, education and security experts warn that defensive measures alone cannot prevent determined attackers. Despite a school safety industry valued at approximately $4bn, experts emphasize that early intervention, trusted relationships between students and adults, mental health support, secure firearm storage, and effective threat reporting systems offer more promising approaches to preventing violence. Research cited in the articles indicates that more than 80% of over 100 averted school shootings were prevented after individuals reported concerning behavior. Although U.S. school shootings declined from 352 in 2023 to 235 in 2025, experts caution that previous tragedies, including Sandy Hook and Uvalde, have generated public outrage without consistently producing lasting reforms.

Federal scholarship program raises equity concerns

A new federal tax-credit scholarship program could generate an estimated $112 per public school student across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., by 2030, according to research by Michigan State University education policy professor Josh Cowen. Unlike traditional school choice initiatives, the program will allow public school students to receive scholarships and use the funds for educational services, potentially creating additional revenue opportunities for public schools. However, Cowen has warned that wealthier communities may benefit disproportionately because of stronger fundraising networks and greater capacity to establish Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), while rural and lower-income areas could struggle to access funding. The research highlights the importance of targeted support from statewide and national scholarship organizations, alongside clearer federal guidance to ensure public schools can participate effectively. With states considering whether to join the program by January 1, its ultimate impact will depend on donor participation, school readiness, and efforts to distribute funding equitably.

EXAMS

Los Angeles USD students ace state assessments

Los Angeles USD students have shown significant improvement in state assessments for English, math, and science. Notably, nearly 40% of LAUSD students achieved proficiency in math, surpassing the statewide average of 38.4%. Superintendent Andrés Chait said, “Our work is far from finished,” emphasizing the need to sustain and accelerate learning. The district also reported record-high scores in English and science, although these remain below state averages. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) indicates that LAUSD's math proficiency rose by about 3 percentage points, while English and science saw increases of nearly 2 and 5 points, respectively. Furthermore, historically underserved students, including Black and Latino students, outperformed their peers statewide. LAUSD's graduation rate reached a record 87.6%, reflecting broader academic gains attributed to evidence-based instruction and high expectations for students.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash over teacher engagement

In a recent debate for the Los Altos School District board, candidate David Poll criticized incumbents for not allowing teachers to voice concerns without the presence of Superintendent Sandra McGonagle. "That's no way to provide effective oversight," Poll said, emphasizing the need for open communication. His opponents, Bryan Johnson, Brandon Stroy, and Vaishali Sirkay, defended their practices, with Stroy asserting that board members must adhere to governance standards during labor negotiations. Poll, the only candidate endorsed by the teachers' union, highlighted a disconnect between the board and teachers, stating: "There is a real sense of not being heard at the district and board level." Johnson acknowledged the need for improved communication, suggesting a reevaluation of engagement with families and staff. Poll stands out as the only candidate with children currently enrolled in the district.

Napa County school board elections face challenges

Napa County is gearing up for school board elections this November, but only 8 out of 22 available seats will be on the ballot. John Tuteur, Napa County's registrar of voters, remarked: “It is unusual to have this many school board races go to election.” The low number of contested races is attributed to many candidates running unopposed, as Joshua Schulz, Napa County superintendent of schools, explained: “If only a single candidate is running for a school board seat, it doesn't appear on the ballot.” Notably, Howell Mountain school board has no candidates for its open seats, leading to an appointment process. Tuteur encouraged community members to consider running for office, stating: “People interested in their community should not just vote but also make themselves candidates.” 

Teachers union shakes up election

The Cabrillo Unified Teachers Association has chosen not to endorse the current incumbents in the upcoming school board election. Instead, they are supporting Peter Tokofsky over board President Lizet Cortes-Ronquillo in Trustee Area C and Andrea Rosenthal over incumbent Mary Beth Alexander in Trustee Area E. Tokofsky, a former editor of Coastside News, teaches writing at Stanford, while Rosenthal is an active teacher in San Mateo.  

FINANCE

Palo Alto School Board faces tough choice

The Palo Alto School Board is deliberating whether to hold a special election on March 2 or May 7 to renew a parcel tax, which is crucial for addressing a $33m budget shortfall. Superintendent Jason Glass emphasized the importance of trust, stating: “People don't generally give their money to organizations that they feel are in disarray or that they don't trust.” The current parcel tax, generating $17m annually, is set to expire next year after a failed renewal attempt in June. Board members are concerned about the impact of potential layoffs on teacher morale, with notices due by March 15. Meanwhile, voters are also deciding on Measure P, which proposes a sales tax increase to fund the purchase of land from the school district.

DISTRICTS

Berkeley High yearbook photo sparks controversy

The California Department of Education has determined that a yearbook photo from Berkeley High School was discriminatory towards Jewish students, as reported by Berkeleyside. This ruling marks the fourth instance where the state has criticized the Berkeley USD's response to actions related to the Gaza conflict. The controversial photo featured a student holding a sign stating: “October 7 was a response not an attack,” which the district had previously approved on free speech grounds. The state concluded that the image fostered a “discriminatory environment” for Jewish students and mandated that yearbook advisers undergo antisemitism training. The decision was celebrated by the Bay Area Center to Counter Antisemitism, which has been collaborating with Jewish families in Berkeley who raised concerns about the photo's inclusion.

Sonoma Valley protest turns chaotic for activist

Earlier this year, Beth Bourne, a Davis School Board candidate and critic of transgender policies, was arrested for trespassing during a protest outside Sonoma Valley High School. The demonstration was in response to the removal of the school's Pride flag, which had been displayed since 2019. Bourne was briefly jailed and released later that evening. The protest, which included dozens of students and hundreds of supporters for the LGBTQ community, turned chaotic when Bourne attempted to join the students while carrying a sign that read “Gender clinics harm children.” The Sonoma police escorted her off school grounds, leading to her arrest. Bourne has faced legal issues previously, including a court order related to social media posts about a local parent. She is scheduled for an arraignment on October 19 for two misdemeanor charges.

WORKFORCE

Award-winning teachers launch tuition-free institute

Four former National Teachers of the Year have partnered with the National Center for Grow Your Own to launch the Educators Institute, a new initiative offering tuition-free online bachelor's degree programs designed to expand access to teacher preparation and address educator shortages. Scheduled to begin in spring 2027, the four-year program will initially enroll 20–30 aspiring teachers, providing full scholarships, online coursework, and at least one year of mentoring with local instructional coaches. The first degree pathways will focus on special education and multilingual education, with courses developed by award-winning educators to emphasize practical classroom skills, literacy instruction, student behavior management, and support for diverse learners. The institute is pursuing state approval and regional accreditation to qualify its 120-credit program for teacher licensure, with potential tuition savings of $20,000 to $90,000 per participant.  

UC Davis launches one-year teaching program

The University of California, Davis, is set to launch a new Master of Education degree and teaching credential program in July 2027, allowing aspiring teachers to complete their studies in just one year. This initiative replaces the existing six-quarter Master of Arts in education pathway, aiming to make graduate education more affordable and accessible amid California's ongoing teacher shortages. Chancellor Gary May emphasized the importance of teachers, stating: "Teachers are critical to preparing the next generation to learn, grow and succeed." The program will offer rigorous coursework, mentorship, and hands-on teaching placements across diverse K-12 districts. Applications for the inaugural cohort are currently open, with a priority scholarship deadline of January 15.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Unlocking potential: after-school programs matter

The Afterschool Alliance highlights the popularity of after-school programs among parents, emphasizing their role in supporting children's development. Kathryn Anne Edwards, a labor economist, argues that government-funded universal after-school programs can bridge the gap between school and work hours, benefiting families and the economy. "It’s a practical, popular, proven way to invest more in them," she said. Despite the benefits, access remains limited, with current federal funding serving only about 1.4m students. Edwards advocates for increased investment, noting that these programs foster positive experiences and relationships, essential for youth development. In a time of rising mental health concerns, after-school programs can provide a safe environment for kids, helping them thrive and connect with their communities.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Senators challenge education grant funding practices

The U.S. Department of Education has faced criticism from Sens. Patty Murray (D-WI) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) over its practice of front-loading multiyear grants, which they argue has effectively withheld approximately $630m in funding from new recipients across 35 grant programs. The approach involves distributing the full value of existing multiyear grants upfront rather than allocating funding annually, potentially limiting the number of institutions and students receiving support. In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the senators claimed that maintaining annual funding allocations could have enabled more than 1,000 additional grants this year, supporting initiatives including student mental health, education research, and first-generation college students. They highlighted the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, which awarded $71.4m to 40 recipients despite initially projecting 148 grants. The senators also raised concerns that the administration could subsequently terminate front-loaded grants and reclaim funding, urging the department to reverse its approach and distribute appropriations in accordance with congressional directives.

INTERNATIONAL

Rising high school dropouts in South Korea spark debate over grade resets

South Korean high school students are increasingly considering dropping out and re-enrolling to improve their academic records following the introduction of a five-tier grading system designed to reduce competition. Under the new system, the highest grade is awarded to the top 10% of students, compared with 4% previously, raising concerns that a single poor semester could significantly affect university admission prospects. The number of first-year general high school students discontinuing their studies rose from 9,346 in 2024 to 10,006 in 2025, although officials caution that the increase cannot be directly attributed to attempts to reset grades. Some students are also considering equivalency exams and the national college entrance test as alternative pathways. South Korea’s Ministry of Education is reviewing potential changes to academic record regulations, while experts are calling for clearer admissions guidance, greater opportunities for academic recovery, and reforms that reduce pressure on students to leave school.
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