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California's Assembly has unanimously voted to extend substitute teaching permits from 30 to 60 days, a move aimed at addressing the ongoing teacher shortage. Assembly member Avelino Valencia commented: "While this legislation does not solve the teacher shortage, it is an interim step to support our schools until longer-term solutions can be implemented." The bill, which covers various educational settings, has garnered support from several districts and education associations. However, it faces opposition from Public Advocates, which argues that it may lead to less-qualified substitutes filling positions instead of prioritizing fully credentialed teachers. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate.

 

The Orange Country Register

School Leadership’s Guide to Career and Technical Education

Economic impacts are changing the employment landscape. Now more than ever it's critical to prepare students for careers in current and emerging professions through Career and Technical Education (CTE). Having developed 200+ award-winning digital courses, FlexPoint knows that CTE offerings look different for every school, based on location and student population. School and district leaders can learn how to enhance their CTE programs through the free FlexPoint guide.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:

• An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
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• Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
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Download CTE Guide

 

Arroyo Grande High School in San Luis Obispo County is launching a new career technical education program that will offer the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Foundation's "You Can Fly" curriculum to high school students. Starting next school year, students will gain hands-on experience in aviation, learn the foundations of flight and aerodynamics, and gain exposure to local professionals in the aviation industry. The program aims to prepare students for success in the high-demand field of aviation, with support from the Department of Airports and the AOPA Foundation.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

House Republicans have proposed allocating up to $5bn annually for scholarships to help families send their children to private and religious schools. The plan, included in a budget reconciliation bill published on Monday, would advance President Donald Trump's ambition to establish universal school choice. Nearly all households would qualify, save those making more than three times the local median income. The initiative would be funded by donors who contribute money or stock; in return, they would receive 100% of the contribution back in the form of a discount on their tax bills. “Giving parents the ability to choose the best education for their child makes the (American Dream) possible,” said Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, who sponsored a similar proposal in the Senate. Critics of the proposal say it would aid the wealthy at the expense of public school systems, while also raising the potential for waste, fraud, and abuse.

 

ABC News

The Hill

The U.S. Department of Education is urging states to identify more public schools as "persistently dangerous," a designation that allows students to transfer to safer schools within their district. Currently, only five states have such schools, with Oregon not among them. Liz Merah from the Oregon Department of Education said: “The lack of any school that meets those criteria reflects the effectiveness of our school safety measures.” A recent letter from Hayley Sanon, the deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, suggests revising the criteria for labeling schools, focusing on reported incidents of violence rather than expulsions. Additionally, poor academic performance and the absence of school resource officers could also indicate a school's dangerous status.

 

The Oregonian

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is currently holding elections, with longtime president Michael Mulgrew facing significant opposition. The election is particularly focused on the controversial Medicare Advantage switch, which Mulgrew initially supported but later opposed due to backlash from retirees. Joshua Freeman, a labor historian, noted that this situation reveals "a real vulnerability" in Mulgrew's leadership. Challengers Olivia Swisher and Amy Arundell are advocating for greater transparency and member-centered leadership. Swisher emphasized the need for a leadership that prioritizes members' voices, stating, "When we have a leadership that is just not interested in centering members... they should be put on notice." The election results will be announced on May 29, with the winners starting their terms on July 1.

 

Chalkbeat

Fresno USD is set to enhance its educational landscape by transforming 10 schools into community resource centers, backed by a $14m grant from the California Department of Education. This initiative is part of the California Community Schools Partnership Program, a $1.3bn effort aimed at improving services for families and neighborhoods. Trustee Andy Levine emphasized the positive impact of the existing community schools, noting: “We've already seen the impact it has had on reducing chronic absenteeism and supporting our students and families." The new centers will address barriers to education, such as lack of clothing and transportation, and will involve community partners to provide essential services. Principal Matthew Phanco shared a poignant example of how the model helps students, recounting a case where a child was unable to attend school due to having only one pair of pants. The district aims to implement similar strategies at the new sites to foster student success.

 

The Fresno Bee

The Sierra Sands USD Board of Education is set to convene on Thursday to evaluate tentative agreements with the Desert Area Teachers Association, the Desert Area Guidance Association, and Chapter 188 of the California School Employees Association. These agreements pertain to 2024-25 and the upcoming 2025-26 school years.

 

The Daily Independent

UC Riverside and the San Bernardino City USD have launched a free teacher residency program to combat the ongoing teacher shortages in California. Frances Valdovinos, assistant dean at UC Riverside’s School of Education, said: "This partnership gives future teachers an unprecedented level of support while helping San Bernardino schools meet urgent staffing needs." The one-year program covers tuition and provides a $32,000 stipend, ensuring job placements for successful candidates. To qualify, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree. Robert Morales, director of human resources for the district, emphasized the importance of this initiative, calling it a "game-changer" for building a pipeline of dedicated teachers.

 

EdSource

Davis High School recently celebrated the completion of its $4.35m Health Services Academy building, enhancing its Career Technical Education offerings. The academy will introduce a sports medicine course, taught by Eric Sonnenberg, as part of the health academy's curriculum. Superintendent Sara Noguchi remarked: "This is a pivotal moment for two proud Modesto high schools that have both served this community for decades." The school is also undergoing several renovations funded by Measure L, a bond measure that secured $198m for upgrades. Other projects include new athletic facilities and an aquatic complex, with construction expected to continue through 2027.

 

The Modesto Bee

By the next school year, several Merced schools will be transformed into resource centers aimed at providing essential services to families and communities. The California Department of Education awarded $21m in community school grants to 15 schools in the district, part of the California Community Schools Partnership Program, a $1.3bn initiative designed to enhance support for families. Dominique Zuniga, the district's communications director, announced: "The district intends to utilize the funding to make the district a hub for community schools." With about 83% of the district's 12,000 students living in poverty, the initiative aims to improve counseling services, school safety, and behavioral health support while also enhancing parental engagement and learning programs. The model has shown success in reducing chronic absenteeism by addressing students' basic needs.

 

Merced Sun Star

A recent survey by Highland Electric Fleets reveals a strong connection between electric school buses and improved mental health for students, especially those with special needs. The April 2025 Echelon Insights Verified Voter Omnibus survey found that 67% of U.S. parents believe reducing stressors like diesel fumes can enhance their child's emotional and academic success. Notably, 70% of voters consider a calmer ride essential for mental health, with 81% of parents agreeing. Duncan McIntyre, founder and chief executive of Highland Electric Fleets, stated: "It's encouraging to see so many parents recognizing the benefits electric school buses bring to students." The survey highlights a growing awareness of how school transportation impacts student well-being, with many voters favoring electric buses over diesel for their quieter, smoother rides.

 

School Bus Fleet

Castaic Union School District is grappling with a significant transportation issue after announcing the cessation of home-to-school transport for the remainder of the school year due to staff shortages. Irene Boden, assistant superintendent of business and administrative services, stated that the district is "actively researching and evaluating long-term solutions" to address the ongoing bus driver shortage. Initially starting the year with seven drivers, the district now has only two, forcing them to prioritize special education students under California Education Code. Boden has been in communication with parents about these challenges since February, as the situation has evolved. The district is committed to finding sustainable options to support the transportation needs of students and families moving forward.

 

Signalscv.com

Violence against educators in schools across Ontario is now so frequent that it has reached crisis levels, according to a new report by researchers at the University of Ontario. The report, titled Running on Fumes: Violence, Austerity, and Institutional Neglect in Ontario Schools, is based on a survey of 6,000 Ontario education sector workers regarding their experiences of workplace violence in the 2022-23 school year. Researchers found that 67% of respondents had experienced at least one act of student-initiated force, and 30% had experienced more than 20 different acts of force during the school year. As well, 63% of respondents reported a threat of physical force from a student, with 23 % reporting being threatened by students at least 20 times during the year. Underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, increasing student needs, lack of supports such as school psychologists and dwindling professional health services are all to blame for the increase, researchers say.

 

The Globe and Mail

Educational institutions in several border and non-border districts across India have reopened, after India and Pakistan came to an understanding on the cessation of hostilities, marking a return to normalcy for thousands of students. Schools have reopened in non-border districts of Jammu and Kashmir including Reasi, Srinagar, Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Ramban, as well as in Rajasthan’s border districts Jaisalmer and Barmer. Institutes in Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Udhampur remain closed. Authorities are monitoring developments along the border, to assess whether additional adjustments to the academic calendar are warranted.

 

Education Times