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California
23rd March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Education programs shift agencies

The U.S. Department of Education is transferring more than 100 programs to other federal agencies through interagency agreements as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to dismantle the department, though full closure would still require congressional approval. Programs spanning K–12 education, higher education, student loans, and school safety are being redistributed to agencies including Labor, Health and Human Services, State, Interior, and Treasury, with existing Education Department staff expected to continue managing them during the transition. While officials say funding will continue uninterrupted, early implementation has produced mixed results, including delays in some states accessing education funds and concerns about administrative complexity, inconsistent oversight, and fragmented program management.

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Advance Equitable Math Learning in California

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These approaches align with California’s commitment to access, inclusivity, and supporting diverse learners across the state. Discover how intentional discourse can create dynamic learning environments where curiosity thrives and every student has the opportunity to engage meaningfully with mathematics.

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NATIONAL NEWS

GOP targets education precedent

A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, is calling for the overturning of Plyler v. Doe, a 1982 Supreme Court decision that guarantees undocumented children access to free public education under the 14th Amendment. The push emerged during a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing focused on constitutional interpretation and the role of federal courts, where Roy, who chairs the subcommittee, argued the ruling is “constitutionally indefensible” and has imposed growing financial pressures on schools and taxpayers since its introduction. Democrats strongly opposed the effort, emphasizing the long-term economic and social benefits of educating all children regardless of immigration status. 

STATE NEWS

Newsom's education overhaul gains traction

Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposal to restructure the California Department of Education has received significant backing from the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO). The LAO stated that transferring control from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to a new education commissioner under the governor's authority would clarify management roles within the TK-12 education system. This change aims to eliminate confusion caused by overlapping responsibilities among various educational agencies. Newsom's plan, part of his 2026-27 budget, is set to take effect in January 2027. While the state superintendent will remain elected, their power will be reduced, allowing them to focus on evaluating public schools and advocating for K-12 education.

English learners face reclassification hurdles

New research reveals that many California students classified as English learners remain in this status even after achieving proficiency. Assembly Bill 2555, introduced by Assembly member Darshana Patel, aims to address this issue by automatically reclassifying students who score 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) starting in the 2027-28 school year. The bill seeks to eliminate the current four criteria for reclassification, which includes teacher and parent input, and would allow students with disabilities to demonstrate proficiency in alternative ways. Research indicates that the existing criteria may hinder students' academic progress and engagement, with many students missing out on advanced courses.

California declares Farmworkers Day

California's legislative leaders have announced the redesignation of March 31 as Farmworkers Day, replacing the previous holiday honoring Cesar Chavez amid serious allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón stated: “California's farmworker rights movement never has been about one individual,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing the contributions of all farmworkers. Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his support for the change, noting the need to reflect on the broader labor movement. The decision follows a New York Times report detailing allegations against Chavez, prompting local officials to reconsider his name on various sites and events. Assemblymember Alexandra M. Macedo highlighted that the movement represents “the millions of workers who sweat, toil and aspire for a better life.”

TECHNOLOGY

AI-driven simulations reshape teacher training

School districts are increasingly adopting AI-powered simulation platforms, such as BranchED’s AuthenTECH Practice, to help train teachers through interactive, low-stakes classroom scenarios that replicate student behavior using large language models. The tools aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice by allowing educators to rehearse lessons, manage classroom challenges, and receive immediate feedback, with early evidence suggesting improvements in teacher confidence and performance. While proponents highlight the flexibility, realism, and ability to refine skills through repetition, developers and educators note the need for careful design to ensure accuracy and prevent reinforcing bad habits, with future plans pointing toward more scalable, self-guided training and broader use in school leadership development.

DISTRICTS

Lawsuit claims reverse racism in LA schools

The recent lawsuit filed by the 1776 Project against the Los Angeles USD claims that district policies harm white children and promote reverse racism. However, the lawsuit has been criticized as misguided, with evidence suggesting that white students have a significantly higher chance of attending high-performing schools compared to Black and Hispanic students. According to a report by Available to All: "If you’re a white student at an LAUSD elementary school, you have a 40% chance of being in a school where two-thirds of the kids are reading at grade level," while Black and Hispanic students face much lower odds. The lawsuit highlights longstanding issues of segregation and funding disparities in LAUSD, rooted in historical policies dating back to the 1960s. The article argues for equalizing funding and access to quality schools for all students, regardless of their racial or economic background.

District faces abuse accountability overhaul

The El Monte UHSD has agreed to sweeping reforms following an 18-month investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta that found “systemic” failures in how the district handled allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse by staff. The settlement mandates measures including a dedicated compliance coordinator, centralized recordkeeping, staff misconduct tracking, community oversight, and student and parent training, alongside four years of court-supervised monitoring. The investigation, which reviewed more than 100 complaints and uncovered longstanding mishandling of reports and recordkeeping, follows decades of alleged abuse and multiple lawsuits, with state officials positioning the reforms as a potential model for improving accountability and student safety across California.

WORKFORCE

Twin Rivers strike ends

Twin Rivers USD has reached a tentative agreement with its teachers union, concluding a 12-day strike that affected 25,000 students. The deal includes 7% raises over two years, a $4,000 bonus, and fully paid family health care benefits, although full terms have not been disclosed. The agreement is pending ratification.

Carter secures second term unopposed

Amie Carter, the first openly gay superintendent of schools in Sonoma County, is set to begin her second term in January 2027 after no challengers emerged for the upcoming election. Elected in 2022, Carter previously served as the assistant Marin County schools chief. Her leadership has also been marked by negotiations with the teachers' union, which recently reached a tentative agreement after a period of tension.

PUSD appoints new chief business officer

Pasadena USD has announced the appointment of Arik Avanesyans as its new chief business officer, effective July 1, pending Board of Education approval on March 26. Avanesyans, who previously served as assistant superintendent of business services at Newhall School District, will oversee PUSD's business operations, including budget management and facilities.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Disability-first school design works

A new study finds that schools built around the needs of students with disabilities are producing stronger academic, social, and wellbeing outcomes than systems that expect students to adapt. In three learner-centered schools, flexible routines, inclusive supports, and accessible environments helped normalize accommodations for all students and reduce stigma. Students with disabilities showed gains in reading and math, higher graduation rates, fewer behavioral incidents, and stronger engagement. Educators reported better job satisfaction and retention, while families faced less pressure to fight for needed services.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Conservative group targets Stanford program

The conservative group Defending Education has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, claiming that Stanford University's training course for Black, Latino, and Native American teachers violates the civil rights of white and Asian teachers. The complaint references the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative-action admissions, which extended to private universities like Stanford. Luisa Rapport, a Stanford spokesperson, stated that the program for minorities "is being sunsetted" and is not accepting new applicants, emphasizing the university's commitment to the Civil Rights Act. UC Berkeley Law professor David Oppenheimer noted that Stanford could argue its program is distinct from prohibited minority-admissions programs aimed at addressing racial isolation in education. However, he expressed concern that courts might extend the Supreme Court's decision to such programs.

INTERNATIONAL

Korea teachers build YouTube influence

Teacher-run YouTube channels are rapidly gaining popularity in South Korea, with around 870 channels and rising participation as parents increasingly turn to educators’ online content for trusted guidance on school life and academic preparation. The trend has been fueled by the growth of digital learning since Covid-19 and is widely viewed as credible, with 95% of surveyed parents considering such content trustworthy, but it has also raised concerns about student privacy, teachers’ focus, and the influence of commercial incentives. As more teachers engage in content creation, often alongside paid lectures or sponsorships, experts warn that outdated regulations and unclear guidelines are struggling to keep pace, calling for clearer standards to balance educational value, professional responsibilities, and student protection.
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