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California's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, a $4bn initiative, aims to combat pandemic-related learning loss while addressing the critical shortage of fully credentialed teachers. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, said: “While it was not an intention in the design of the program, it offers a great teacher recruitment opportunity.” With approximately 32,000 teachers in California working under temporary credentials, programs like Aim High and Freedom School are nurturing future educators. Aim High has reportedly helped thousands enter the teaching profession, with over 100 staff members this summer considering or pursuing teaching careers. Participants gain valuable experience in smaller class settings, often leading to a passion for teaching, as seen in the stories of individuals like Nuntehui Espinoza and Leslie Jauregui, who transitioned from program staff to full-time educators. The initiative is crucial for addressing the ongoing teacher shortage in California.

 

EdSource

The state of California has recommended HMH Into Math^® California K– 8 and Algebra 1 for adoption. Into Math California is a custom, equitable math solution available in English and Spanish for all California students. Built to align with California’s new mathematics framework, the high-quality program incorporates Big Ideas, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.

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Windsor is set to welcome a new public preschool next year, thanks to a partnership between the local school district and the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, who have generously donated $5m for the initiative. The preschool, featuring five classrooms, will be located on the Mattie Washburn Elementary campus. The project aims to provide quality education for young children and is expected to open its doors by February 2026. The preschool will also offer affordable options for families, with tuition rates projected to be around $10,000 per year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities in Windsor.

 

Press Democrat

Mark Henrikson, a sixth-grade teacher at Phoebe A. Hearst Elementary School, was placed on administrative leave, prompting concerns from parents who believe it is retaliation for advocating for his former colleague, Jeanine Rupert. “It was an unprecedented decision to destroy Mrs. Rupert and to tear apart our sixth-grade program for such nonsense,” Henrikson said in a previous email. Rupert was reassigned after removing a carpet due to a flea infestation, a move which parents argue was unjust. Since her removal, parents have organized demonstrations for her return, and Henrikson has been a vocal supporter.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Huntington Beach High School recently celebrated its inaugural Hall of Fame class, honoring 10 distinguished alumni and community members. The ceremony, held on campus, featured the unveiling of plaques in the quad. The inductees include Kathy Doyle, a two-time All-American basketball player; Le Anne Karasik, a gymnastics champion; and Eddie Morris, a celebrated track athlete known as the “world's fastest schoolboy.” Principal Danny Morris remarked on the significance of recognizing those who provide positive role models for current students.

 

Los Angeles Times

Jacob Francisco, a political science major at UC Davis, expressed relief upon receiving a scholarship from the Chinese American Association of Solano County, co-founded by C.C. Yin. "It was a huge weight off my back," he said. The association is currently accepting applications for scholarships up to $1,000, open to Solano County residents with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The deadline is December 5, and funds can be used for college expenses in the 2026-2027 academic year. Over the past 25 years, the organization has awarded over $237,000 to more than 200 students from diverse backgrounds.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Anthony Quartuccio Jr. has led the South Valley Symphony as its music director and conductor for 20 years, marking a significant milestone in the ensemble's history. The symphony will kick off its 52nd season with a concert titled “Adventures Around the Globe” on Oct. 12 at Guglielmo Winery. Quartuccio's leadership has fostered a diverse repertoire and numerous educational initiatives, including the Navaroli Young Musicians Competition and collaborations with local youth ensembles. Quartuccio, who also conducts Nova Vista Symphony and teaches at Kehillah Jewish High School, has received multiple accolades for his contributions to the arts, including an honorary Doctorate of Arts from Santa Clara University.

 

Hollister Free Lance

Matthew Schmidt from the University of Georgia is enhancing virtual learning through his initiative, Gaming 4 Good, aimed at engaging neurodivergent students in STEAM subjects. He believes that the pandemic has transformed virtual learning into a vital educational tool, especially for students with disabilities. "After the pandemic, I became a very popular guy," Schmidt said, highlighting the increased focus on online learning. His research at the PIXL Lab emphasizes creating meaningful learning experiences rather than merely delivering content. Schmidt aims to expand his project beyond middle school students, collaborating with local schools and organizations to reach a broader audience. "We know that it doesn't just work for middle schoolers," he stated, indicating the potential for wider application of his methods.

 

The Fresno Bee

Full Sail University in Winter Park is facing allegations of a “pay-for-play” hiring scheme, according to a whistleblower complaint unsealed in May 2024. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, claims that Full Sail and the Los Angeles Film School, both operated by James W. Heavener, funneled money to employers to hire students for short-term jobs. This was allegedly done to meet a 70% employment threshold for federal funding, with students being “hoodwinked” into participating. Full Sail, which receives $377m annually in federal funding, denied the allegations.

 

Sun Sentinel

Artificial intelligence is significantly impacting education, as demonstrated by the Cal State University system's Artificial Intelligence Educational Innovations Challenge. Among the 63 winning projects, Cal State Fullerton faculty developed initiatives to enhance U.S. history teaching and critical thinking skills. History professors Allison Varzally and Volker Janssen are focusing on how AI affects students' learning, stating, "We’re concerned that they’re not learning historical skills or knowledge." Meanwhile, Laura Keisler and Madeleine Mejia are addressing the overreliance on generative AI in literacy education, emphasizing the need for critical thinking. Matheus Guerrero leads a multidisciplinary project assessing AI's effectiveness in STEM subjects, asking, "Does AI really work in the classroom?" These projects reflect a broader trend of integrating AI into educational practices to foster engagement and critical skills.

 

The Orange Country Register

Nearly 130 universities in New York are waiving application fees for high school seniors, as announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to eliminate financial barriers and encourage college enrollment following a pandemic-related decline. “Waiving application fees is a simple but powerful way to encourage all students to apply to college,” said Félix Matos Rodríguez, chancellor of the City University of New York (CUNY). The fee waivers will be available from Oct. 27 to Nov. 21 for NYC students, with additional opportunities for students outside the city. CUNY previously saw a 10% drop in enrollment in fall 2022, but the fee waivers have led to a surge in applications, with 60,000 received last year. Other institutions, including the Fashion Institute of Technology and Fordham University, are also participating in this initiative.

 

Chalkbeat

On October 1 2025, the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, collapsed during afternoon prayers, resulting in the tragic loss of 61 lives. The disaster, described as the year's deadliest, left the community in grief and confusion. Mohammad Syafii, chief of the search and rescue agency, announced: "Operations due to the collapsed structure of the Al Khoziny school ... are officially closed," after all bodies were recovered. The school was part of Indonesia's extensive network of pesantren, or traditional Islamic boarding schools, of which there are more than 42,000 in Indonesia.

 

NBC News

The Jakarta Post

U.S. News