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California
6th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Test concerns prompt call for underlying issues to be addressed

California's latest standardized test results reveal alarming trends, with only 47% of students meeting English standards and 36% meeting math standards, according to the 2024–25 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress. Jill Stegman, a retired educator, emphasized that "if we continue judging them without acknowledging who they serve — and who they don't — we will continue diagnosing the wrong problem." She says challenges stem from high rates of poverty, housing instability, and a significant population of English learners. These factors contribute to lower academic outcomes, while the exclusion of private school students from testing data skews the overall picture. To improve scores, she says, California must address these underlying issues, including expanding affordable housing and providing targeted support for struggling students.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Level Up Your Students’ Future-Ready Skills

As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

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STATE NEWS

Newsom looks to revamp education department...

California's education governance is set for a significant transformation as Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes to shift the management of the California Department of Education from the State Superintendent to the governor's office. This initiative, highlighted in Newsom's budget trailer bill, aims to streamline oversight and accountability in the state's education system. The PACE (Policy Analysis for California Education) report emphasized that "California can no longer postpone reforms that have been overdue for a century." The proposed changes include appointing an Education Commissioner to oversee the Department of Education, with the transition scheduled for January 1, 2027. While the plan has garnered support from various educational organizations, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond criticized it, arguing it won't enhance student achievement.

...and proposes new measures for charter schools

Part of Gov. Newsom's budget trailer bill proposes new auditing measures for charter schools, aiming to enhance financial oversight across all public school systems. However, critics, including Eric Premack, executive director of the Charter Schools Development Center, argue that these measures will have “almost zero impact on preventing fraud.” He emphasized that audits are retrospective and do not prevent misconduct in real time. The proposals come in response to significant fraud cases, such as A3 Education, which resulted in the loss of $400m in public funds. While the reforms aim to standardize auditing practices, they lack additional support for training and resources, raising concerns about the feasibility of increased oversight without adequate funding.

TECHNOLOGY

States push forward on classroom AI oversight

U.S. states are pressing ahead with regulating the use of AI in education, despite efforts by the Trump administration to limit state-level AI rules. During the last legislative session, more than 50 bills across 21 states addressed AI in schools, according to the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), focusing on areas such as AI literacy, student data privacy, transparency from education technology vendors, and limits on certain AI uses. While a federal executive order seeks to pause state AI regulations in favor of a national standard, advocates say states show no sign of slowing down.

POLICY

Teens divided on cellphone bans

Cellphone bans in K-12 schools are expanding, with nearly 40 states restricting student phone use during the school day, and educators reporting gains in focus, engagement, and test scores. A Pew Research Center survey finds only about 40% of teens support bans, with sharp racial gaps: 46% of white teens support them versus 33% of Black teens and 36% of Hispanic teens. Researcher David N. Figilio suggests Black teens may fear disproportionate punishment: “If Black students believe that they will be more likely to be punished… they might be more concerned.” A working paper cited links bans to first-year suspension spikes, later declines, and second-year test score gains.

WORKFORCE

San Francisco teachers threaten to strike

San Francisco teachers are preparing to strike on Monday unless a new contract is reached, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Superintendent Maria Su expressed her desire to avoid a strike, saying: “I share the concern and uncertainty this creates for families.” Cassondra Curiel, president of United Educators of San Francisco, emphasized the need for the district to present “real solutions” to demonstrate commitment to funding schools and classrooms.

DISTRICTS

Schools face potential closures

San Jose USD has proposed closing or consolidating up to nine elementary schools due to a significant 20% decline in student enrollment, equating to about 6,000 students since before the pandemic. Superintendent Nancy Albarrán acknowledged the emotional impact of these discussions, stating: “I recognize that seeing a school's name included in discussion about consolidation... is deeply emotional.” The district's “Schools of Tomorrow” initiative aims to evaluate current schools based on enrollment and other factors. Three options for closures have been presented, with a final recommendation expected by March 12. If closures occur, affected students will have transfer options and additional support, including funding for transitioning schools.

TIDE Academy to close

Sequoia UHSD has decided to close TIDE Academy. This decision comes after months of public meetings and discussions about the school's future. Currently, 199 students are enrolled, but this number is expected to drop significantly as the program transitions to Woodside High School over the next three years. The closure is projected to save the district approximately $14.5m in the next three years, but many community members voiced concerns about the impact on students and the loss of a supportive environment.

PRESCHOOL

Two-thirds of kids ready for school

New federal data reveals that approximately two-thirds of children aged 3 to 5 are prepared to enter kindergarten. The National Survey of Children's Health aims to assess readiness through various developmental categories, including early learning and social-emotional skills. Laura Justice, an educational psychology professor at Ohio State University, said: "Kindergarten readiness encompasses the foundational skills necessary to engage in a more formal learning environment." While there is no universal definition, experts agree that early learning experiences significantly impact a child's academic trajectory. Jill Cannon, a senior policy researcher at RAND, noted that readiness assessments can vary in effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of identifying support needs for children.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Superintendent calls to close train crossing

Palo Alto USD Superintendent Don Austin has urged the City Council to close the Churchill Avenue railroad crossing following the death of 17-year-old Summer Devi Mehta. The crossing has been linked to multiple student suicides, and Austin noted that the sounds from Caltrain have become “unavoidable reminders and triggers” for local students. While he previously opposed closing the crossing due to traffic concerns, he now prioritizes student safety.

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea lowers teacher training intake

South Korea will cut more than 3,000 teacher training slots following a nationwide capacity assessment of teacher education institutions. The Ministry of Education and the Korean Educational Development Institute reviewed 139 universities and determined enrolment reductions based on performance grades. Institutions graded C will cut intake by 30%, those graded D by 50%, and three institutions graded E, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, Hanyang University ERICA, and Hyupsung University, will have their teacher training programmes abolished entirely. The reductions will mainly affect general education departments, teacher training tracks and graduate schools of education, reflecting declining demand and an effort to rebalance teacher supply.
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