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California has launched the first phase of its Cradle-to-Career (C2C) data system, making education data accessible to the public. The C2C website allows users to explore graduation rates, earnings, and educational pathways. Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “With the C2C Student Pathways Dashboard now live, Californians can visualize their futures.” The dashboard features user-friendly charts and comparisons, enabling parents and students to assess school performance. Ryan Estrellado, director of data programs for C2C, emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the tool. Future updates will include data on early education and employment outcomes. The project, costing $24.2m, aims to enhance educational success and is entirely funded by California. Mary Ann Bates, executive director of C2C, noted the commitment to building a data system that meets Californians' needs.

 

Silicon Valley Voice

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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Andra Hoffman, a college instructor and board member for the Los Angeles Community College District, has announced her candidacy for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. With a background in educational leadership, including her role as the immediate past president of the Community College League of California Board of Trustees, Hoffman emphasized the need for reform. “California must do better,” she stated, highlighting issues such as underpaid teachers and students lacking essential skills. She aims to prioritize foundational education, safeguard special education, and integrate climate education into curricula. Hoffman also pledges to protect public education from what she describes as Donald Trump’s “barbaric assault” on the system, promising to guide schools into a new era of excellence.

 

EdSource

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has withheld state funding for the ethnic studies high school graduation requirement, leaving school districts uncertain about its future. Under the 2021 law, the mandate to reach 5.8m students cannot be enforced without state funding, which is estimated at $276m. Newsom's office cited "limited available ongoing resources" as the reason for the funding freeze. Some districts, like Los Angeles USD, plan to proceed with ethnic studies regardless, while others may delay implementation. Lynwood Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite emphasized the importance of state funding for sustainability, adding: "We remain committed to the principles and purpose behind ethnic studies." The political climate complicates the situation, with ongoing debates about the curriculum's content and its implications for teaching race and ethnicity in schools.

 

Los Angeles Times

In recent months, K-12 educators have faced increasing pressure regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. A notable incident occurred at Herriman High School in Utah, where a poster for Inclusion Week sparked backlash from a former state school board member, who criticized it as a defiance against anti-DEI sentiments. Principal Todd Quarnberg expressed frustration, commenting: “When did diversity and inclusion—when did these become nasty words?” The U.S. Department of Education has issued directives to eliminate what it deems “illegal DEI practices,” but has not clearly defined these terms, leading to confusion among educators. A survey revealed that about 5% of educators reported a complete halt in DEI programs since the Trump administration began, with larger districts more likely to report a decrease. As investigations into DEI practices unfold, concerns grow about the impact on educational equity efforts.

 

Education Week News

Oakland USD is facing significant turmoil as the teachers' union has taken control of the school board, jeopardizing the district's fiscal stability just as it is set to emerge from 22 years of receivership. Alysse Castro, Alameda County’s superintendent of schools, warned that "bankruptcy remains a possibility" due to ongoing structural issues. The district's well-regarded superintendent, Kyla Johnson-Trammel, was forced out, and a plan to address a $95m budget gap was disrupted. Despite high per-pupil spending of $25,491, the district has not adapted to a 40% decline in student enrollment since the late 1990s, leading to excessive administrative costs. A recent audit by EideBailly indicates that the district is "unlikely to meet its obligations" in the next 12 to 24 months without significant action. The new board majority's decisions have raised concerns about the future of the district.

 

East Bay

Mercury News

Napa Valley USD is responding to declining enrollment and increased competition from private and charter schools by expanding Vichy Elementary into a TK-8 school. The school board's unanimous decision aims to enhance neighborhood schools and improve educational offerings. Superintendent Dr. Rosanna M. De La Torre explained that the expansion provides "a menu of options.” The district plans to implement this expansion by the 2025-26 school year, with a focus on providing quality education and retaining students. The initiative reflects a broader trend in the district to innovate and adapt to changing educational demands.

 

Press Democrat

In response to rising antisemitism in California's schools, the Legislative Jewish Caucus has shifted its approach by introducing Assembly Bill 715, which aims to enhance anti-discrimination protections. Assembly Members Rick Zbur and Dawn Addis are leading this initiative, which seeks to create a state-level Antisemitism Coordinator and strengthen the Uniform Complaint Process in schools. Zbur said: “AB 715 demonstrates solidarity among California Legislative Diversity Caucuses to resolutely stand with the Jewish community to adopt meaningful legislation to root out hate in our classrooms.” While the bill has garnered support from various ethnic caucuses, it faces opposition from groups concerned about potential censorship and the impact on educational content. The bill's exact language is still under negotiation, with amendments expected in the coming weeks.

 

EdSource

Berkeley USD is grappling with a $7.6m budget deficit, prompting significant staffing changes. Despite rescinding 166 layoff notices for teachers and staff, the district still faces a $1.1m shortfall after projected savings of $2.2m from budget phases. BUSD School Board President Ka’Dijah Brown noted that the situation is the first time cuts have impacted all employee levels. Community pressure is mounting for alternative funding solutions. Matt Meyer, President of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, stated: "We can’t face layoffs year after year as an acceptable practice." The district is also considering a daily fee for student transportation to generate additional revenue. Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel emphasized the district's resilience, saying: "We can do hard and difficult things."

 

The Daily Californian

California teachers are organizing rallies and marches on Saturday as part of the Statewide Fight for Schools Day. They are protesting against proposed cuts to federal funding for school meals and programs for students with disabilities. Rallies are set to take place at noon in San Francisco's Embarcadero Plaza and in various locations, including Cesar Chavez Plaza in Sacramento and Sierra Pacific High School in Hanford. The teachers emphasize the importance of these programs, urging: "Don’t cut our lunch money!" to highlight the impact of funding reductions on students.

 

EdSource

The Trump administration's draft executive order aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 schools, directing federal agencies to collaborate with private companies for new educational programs. This initiative arises amid a global push for AI in education, raising concerns about who will control its implementation. AI is not merely a tool; it disrupts traditional education by creating parallel systems that may lack public oversight. As noted by Dallas schools Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde, “It’s irresponsible to not teach (AI). We have to.” The choices made now will determine whether AI serves as a tool for equity or exacerbates educational divides.

 

EdSource

Congressman Ro Khanna has entered the fray regarding the Palo Alto USD's recent decision to eliminate Honors Biology and Honors English, labeling it "an assault on excellence." The board's 3-2 vote on January 21 to consolidate freshmen into a single introductory biology class has sparked significant debate, with Khanna's post on X receiving over 3,500 responses. Senator Ruben Gallego expressed his disbelief, stating, "I can’t imagine a school willingly dumbing itself down." However, former school board member Jennifer DiBrienza defended the decision, asserting that the district remains committed to offering advanced placement (AP) courses. Teachers argued that the change would facilitate a smoother transition for students from middle to high school, with plans to maintain rigorous standards. Despite some students advocating for the return of Honors Biology, the board members voted in favor of the new structure, emphasizing the need for educational initiatives.

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

The Modesto City Schools Board of Education has appointed Vanessa Buitrago as the new superintendent, succeeding Sara Noguchi, who is retiring. Buitrago, a Modesto High graduate, will start on July 1 with a contract running through 2028 and an annual salary of $300,000. During the board meeting, she expressed pride in her background, saying: "I believe that students benefit when they recognize themselves in their leaders." Despite some concerns regarding her experience, particularly from Fawn Peterson, chapter president of the California School Employees Association, there is hope for mentorship as she transitions into this significant role. Buitrago currently serves as the network deputy superintendent for Oakland Unified School District and has a diverse background in education.

 

The Modesto Bee

UC Riverside and 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, stated, “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 participants. To qualify, students 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

Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani and her fiancé, Alireza Doroudi, faced a life-altering event when immigration officers arrested Doroudi at their home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Bajgani expressed, “I was living a normal life until that night. After that nothing is just normal.” The couple, both doctoral students, are part of a larger group of international students affected by President Donald Trump's immigration policies, with over 1,000 students having their visas revoked since late March. Doroudi, who entered the U.S. legally, is currently detained in Louisiana awaiting a deportation hearing. His lawyer, David Rozas, stated he was “flabbergasted” by the lack of evidence against Doroudi, who has no criminal record. The situation has instilled fear within the Iranian student community, with many feeling they must “lay low” to avoid drawing attention.

 

Los Angeles Times

The China–Central Asia Education Ministers' Meeting was held earlier this week in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, further strengthening educational cooperation between China and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Minister of Education Huai Jinpeng said both sides share a vital mission in national development and cultural exchange and have achieved notable progress in recent years through mutual learning and innovation. To further deepen cooperation, Huai proposed building a collaborative higher education system and establishing an advanced research institute in Xinjiang to serve regional development. He also called for expanding vocational education tailored to local needs and developing shared digital education resources.

 

China Daily