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California
6th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Learning ecosystems gain momentum

A new National Commission on Learning Ecosystems, led by New America, will study how schools, employers, libraries, museums, universities, and nonprofits can work together to expand learning beyond classrooms. The effort will draw lessons from 12 existing ecosystems, including Pittsburgh’s Remake Learning network, which has supported projects like competency-based instruction, internships, and redesigned school spaces. Lisa Guernsey, senior director of birth-to-12th-grade education policy at New America, said the work is about “recognizing how many assets are already on the ground in neighborhoods and communities.”

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How to Attract Families to Your School & Increase Enrollment

Schools and districts must adapt to be a top-of-mind choice in an era where parents wield greater influence over their children’s academic journeys. As you seek to attract and retain students, this guide will support you.

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NATIONAL NEWS

State takeovers gain political edge

School district takeovers are rising again, especially in Republican-led states, with Texas emerging as a leading example. The story argues that while states still cite academic failure and financial distress, the rationale has become more openly political, often shifting control away from communities of color for limited academic gains. Fort Worth board member Roxanne Martinez warned that losing elected representation would silence local families, while researcher Domingo Morel said, “states don’t really care about having to justify this action” the way they once did.

LEGAL

Berkeley school district named in lawsuit over alleged antisemitism

The Brandeis Center has filed a lawsuit against Berkeley USD and a number of other California districts, along with state education officials, alleging antisemitism in ethnic studies curricula. Plaintiff Ilana Pearlman claims her children experienced "biased antisemitic learning environments," including violent imagery targeting Jewish students, leading her to transfer two children to private schools. The suit cites violations of the Free Exercise and Equal Protection Clauses and calls for state review of curricula and enforcement of anti-discrimination policies tied to funding. This follows previous complaints and a 2025 congressional investigation into BUSD over a hostile environment for Jewish students.

WORKFORCE

Teachers strike at Twin Rivers school district

On Thursday, Twin Rivers USD witnessed its first-ever teachers' strike, as hundreds of educators gathered outside their schools instead of entering classrooms. Union leaders are advocating for improved compensation, fully paid employer healthcare, and smaller class sizes. James Van Buren, a special education instructor, and Rebecca Henry, a curriculum specialist, were among those picketing at Grant High School. Student support was evident, with freshman Oliver Gaara stating: "I will support them through all of this, especially because I'm someone who will always side with the working class." Parents also expressed their support for the strike, emphasizing the need for better opportunities for teachers and students alike.

Virtual teaching draws working mothers

Natalia Berrios left classroom teaching for remote instruction six years ago, saying working from home became “pretty nonnegotiable” after having children. Now she tutors students across multiple states and teaches ESL online, balancing work with family care during events like snow-day closures. The story connects her experience to broader findings that teachers, especially mothers, face heavier caregiving burdens and less job flexibility than similar professionals. Berrios said the biggest benefit is avoiding “the time, effort, and money” of commuting while still building strong one-on-one relationships with students.

DISTRICTS

Merced schools earn national acclaim

Two high schools in Merced County, El Capitan and Buhach Colony, have been honored as National Industry Certified Programs of Excellence by the Law & Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) for their Public Safety Pathways programs. These programs, which prepare students for careers in law enforcement, are among only about 20 in California to receive this recognition, according to Shawn Jansen from Merced UHSD. Instructors Buck Ledford and Alexandra Dietz received plaques for their achievements.

New school plans spark excitement

BASIS Independent Schools has proposed transforming a vacant office building at 525 Race St. in San Jose into a new high school that could accommodate up to 800 students. The project includes plans for a 72,700 square foot building with classrooms, a theater, science labs, and outdoor play areas, totaling 89,400 square feet when including a new gym. The school aims to operate from August through May, with hours from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

New assistant principal appointed at Rancho Pico

Dennis Yong has been appointed as the new assistant principal at Rancho Pico Junior High School, as announced by the William S. Hart UHSD governing board. Yong, who began his educational career as a science teacher at Canyon High School in 2012, has held various leadership positions, including department chairperson and head coach for the tennis program.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Pollution threat lingers in Watts

Despite the closure of S&W Atlas Iron & Metal, a scrap metal yard in Watts, significant environmental concerns persist. A recent assessment revealed "astronomical levels" of toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, in the soil and groundwater, far exceeding California's safety standards. Danielle Hoague, director of research for the Better Watts Initiative, emphasized the hidden dangers, stating, "I think it's definitely a hidden danger." Residents and officials worry that these contaminants may be migrating towards nearby Jordan High School and the Jordan Downs housing complex. Los Angeles USD has expressed frustration over the slow cleanup process and the lack of communication from Atlas regarding contamination.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Rocklin e-bike ban cuts child collisions

A Sacramento-area school district has credited a ban on higher-powered electric bicycles for a decrease in e-bike collisions involving children under 15. The Rocklin USD implemented the ban on elementary and middle school campuses in December, which took effect on February 2. According to CalBike, California laws categorize e-bikes into three classes, with varying age restrictions and speed limits. Riders under 18 must wear helmets on any e-bike.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Chalk Day colors Riverside's main street

Approximately 200 students from Riverside USD participated in Chalk Day this week, transforming the Main Street pedestrian mall into a vibrant display of original artwork. Under the guidance of professional chalk artists Gloria Ing and Graciela Rodriguez, students created pieces inspired by the theme “Dreams.” The event showcased the collaboration between the city of Riverside and UCR ARTS, allowing residents and visitors to appreciate the creativity of local students.

NUTRITION

Study links ultra-processed foods to behavioral issues in preschoolers

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that preschool children who consume more ultra-processed foods may be more likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity. Researchers analyzing data from nearly 2,100 children in Canada found that every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed foods was associated with higher problem scores by age five. The findings indicate that replacing even small portions of ultra-processed foods with whole foods such as fruits and vegetables could support healthier emotional and behavioral development in early childhood.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Over 50 medical schools endorse Kennedy’s nutrition curriculum push

More than 50 medical schools in the United States have agreed to adopt a federal framework for nutrition education promoted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as part of the administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. The voluntary guidelines recommend that medical students receive at least 40 hours of nutrition training and cover 71 competencies related to diet and health. The plan gained support from a mix of universities across the country, though several major institutions declined to participate. Critics have raised concerns about government influence over university curriculums and questioned some proposed topics, while supporters argue that expanding nutrition training could improve doctors’ ability to address diet-related health issues.

INTERNATIONAL

B.C. teachers back four-year deal with pay raises and added school support staff

Members of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, representing about 52,000 educators, have overwhelmingly approved a four-year collective agreement with the provincial government, with 91% voting in favor. The deal includes annual wage increases of 3% through 2029 and measures aimed at improving classroom support, such as adding counsellors, learning-assistance teachers, and special education staff. It also provides more preparation time for elementary teachers and allowances for psychologists, Indigenous language teachers, and those in rural schools. While union leaders welcomed the improvements, they noted the agreement does not reduce class sizes, a long-standing goal. The contract still requires final approval from school boards and, if confirmed, will run retroactively from July 2025 to June 2029.
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