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California
6th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Parents push for reduced screen time

Concerns about excessive screen time in Los Angeles USD classrooms are rising among parents. Kate Brody, a concerned parent, noted that her son has become so overstimulated by screens that he "literally cannot tell that he has to go to the bathroom." In response, Brody joined Schools Beyond Screens, advocating for limits on classroom screen time, which may be addressed by the school board in April. The coalition aims to establish a tech policy that promotes healthy technology use. Despite LAUSD's claims of structured screen time, many parents, like Julie Edwards, argue that their children are excessively engaged with screens at home. Research links high screen time to negative impacts on children's mental health and cognitive development. Stephen Aguilar, a professor at USC, emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding technology in education, stating, "Without taking this exhaustive look... a lot of policies fall short."

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

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STATE NEWS

EdVoice fights for California's students

EdVoice, a nonprofit educational advocacy group, is dedicated to enhancing California's education system, particularly for low-income students. With over half of California's 5.8m K-12 students reading below grade level, EdVoice is focused on legislative changes to improve literacy and educational opportunities. Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, emphasized the importance of systemic change, stating: "If children are not at, or close to, grade level in reading in elementary school, they will not have success in other subjects." The organization has successfully lobbied for bills like AB 1454, which mandates that instructional materials align with evidence-based literacy instruction. Tuck believes that effective governance changes will lead to better educational outcomes, making education a top priority for future governors.

Reading delays threaten student success

Reading is crucial for children's education, and California's Senate Bill 114 aims to address early reading difficulties by screening students from kindergarten to second grade. However, proposed changes to the Education Code would delay these screenings, which could hinder timely support for struggling readers. It is suggested that the proposed delay could undermine the effectiveness of California's literacy reforms, which are based on scientific evidence.

DISTRICTS

Vallejo USD cuts ties with nonprofit

The Vallejo City USD has ended a $600,000 contract with JesusFollowr University/Luv Our Youth after its founder, Eryck “Boomer” Bennett, was recorded stating that the organization aims to "turn students into champions for Christ." The district had engaged the nonprofit to run an anti-bullying program and provide additional services. Following the video's release, Superintendent Rubén Aurelio emphasized the district's commitment to maintaining inclusive environments, stating, "Our public schools are, and always will be, inclusive and welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs." The district is now reviewing its vendor contract vetting process.

Santa Monica-Malibu Schools earn state recognition

John Adams Middle School has been honored as a 2026 California Distinguished School, one of 408 selected statewide for this prestigious recognition. Olympic Continuation High School also received accolades as a 2026 Model Continuation High School, recognized for its comprehensive services to at-risk youth. The California Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1985, acknowledges schools excelling in academic achievement, closing achievement gaps, and serving rural and Title I communities. Both schools will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on April 24 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

Colton High settles abuse claims

The Colton Joint USD has agreed to pay $19.5m to settle lawsuits from 12 former Colton High football players who alleged sexual abuse by Tiffany Strauss-Gordon, the school's former athletic trainer and daughter of legendary coach Harold Strauss. The allegations date back to encounters between 2001 and 2007. The settlement highlights the serious nature of the claims, with the district facing significant financial repercussions. "The school's esteemed football program has been overshadowed by these troubling allegations," said a representative.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Garden to be lost at Santa Rosa City Schools HQ

The $56.5m project to construct a new Santa Rosa City Schools district office will significantly alter facilities for the 18-22 transitions program, which aids students with special educational needs. Currently serving around 70 students, the program focuses on fostering independent living and workforce readiness. However, the development threatens to demolish a volunteer-run garden that has been integral to the program since 2022.

TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing education: AI takes charge

Alpha School, founded by MacKenzie Price, is transforming education with its AI-driven model, which eliminates traditional teachers in favor of "guides" who motivate students. The school offers a unique learning environment where students engage in workshops and personalized lessons through AI software. "I'm a firm believer that this is the future," said parent Mohseni, who plans to enroll his daughter. However, the approach has sparked debate, with critics like Joe Vukov expressing concerns about the loss of essential teacher-student relationships. Despite skepticism, Alpha claims its students excel academically, scoring in the 99th percentile on standardized tests. Price argues that the model addresses inefficiencies in traditional education, stating, "AI is going to help us unlock the greatest untapped resource in our world, which is human potential." As Alpha expands, it faces scrutiny over its high tuition and the implications of its teacher-free model.

Chatbots: The new friends of teens

The popularity of social chatbots among teens is surging, with many using them as companions for drama, romance, and support. Mitch Prinstein, co-director of the Winston Center on Technology and Brain Development, said: “If you think your child is not talking to chatbot companions, you're probably wrong.” While these chatbots provide entertainment and a sense of connection, concerns arise regarding their impact on mental health. Some teens have reported becoming overly attached, with tragic cases linked to chatbot interactions. Despite a ban on users under 18 by Character.AI, many minors still access the service. Researchers note that chatbots serve as a coping mechanism for loneliness, but caution that they can exacerbate issues for vulnerable youth.

HIGHER EDUCATION

UC acceptance rates rise statewide

New University of California data for fall 2025 shows more than 77% of California applicants were admitted to at least one UC campus, the highest in-state acceptance level in nine years. UCLA remained the most selective campus at 9.4%, followed by UC Berkeley at 11.4%. Mission High School in San Francisco led the state in UC Berkeley admissions, with 45% of applicants accepted. The data also highlighted sharp contrasts across campuses, schools, and majors, with Berkeley public health and UCLA nursing among the most competitive programs at 2% and 1%, respectively.

Trump's new order shakes college sports

President Trump signed a second executive order aimed at reforming college sports, particularly focusing on transfer and eligibility rules for athletes. The order, announced on April 3, seeks to limit how athletes can be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) while ensuring that schools do not cut scholarships for women's and Olympic sports to fund these changes. "College sports cannot function without clear, agreed-upon rules concerning pay-for-play and player eligibility," the White House stated. The order allows for one unrestricted transfer for undergraduate students and sets a five-year eligibility limit, effective August 1. However, legal experts suggest the order may face challenges in court, with some believing it could be deemed unconstitutional. Despite these concerns, the Big Ten Conference expressed support for the order, highlighting its potential to protect college athletics.
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