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California
8th April 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Unions threaten historic strike in LA

Los Angeles USD is facing a potential strike on April 14, as three major unions representing teachers, non-teaching staff, and administrators remain at an impasse over salary increases. Teachers are demanding a 17% raise, while Local 99 workers, who are among the lowest-paid, seek job stability. The district has urged families to prepare for possible school closures by arranging childcare and meals, stating: “Families should prepare now by ensuring their child can access learning through Schoology.” If the strike occurs, it could disrupt the education of approximately 390,000 students and impact state testing schedules. Negotiations are ongoing, with the district offering a 3% bonus and a series of raises, but unions argue that these do not meet their needs amid rising living costs. 

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

Exclusive Webinar with Dr Kate Kinsella

The final months of the school year can have a lasting impact on multilingual learners—especially those at risk of becoming Long Term English Learners (LTELs). Join Dr. Kate Kinsella, nationally recognized researcher, author, and educator, on April 23 for a California-exclusive webinar on how schools can use post testing instructional time to re-engage students, strengthen academic language practices, and accelerate progress toward reclassification.

Learn more and register today!

 

STATE NEWS

Boosting California's math scores

In the lead-up to the 2024-25 elections, candidates for California's Superintendent of Public Instruction are addressing the alarming state of math education, where only 37.30% of students met standards. Richard Barrera emphasized the need for "stronger foundations in the early grades" and stable staffing to improve outcomes. Josh Newman criticized the acceptance of pre-pandemic scores, calling it a "generational failure" and advocating for evidence-based strategies. Sonja Shaw highlighted the importance of clear math instruction and early intervention, saying: "Real math instruction, taught clearly" is essential. Anthony Rendon and Nichelle Henderson stressed the need for collaboration and effective assessment to enhance academic performance. The candidates agree that a coherent, sustained commitment is necessary to support students across California.

NATIONAL NEWS

Texas schools face Bible reading debate

The Texas state education board is facing significant controversy over a proposed reading list that includes Bible stories like Jonah and the Whale. During a recent meeting, religious leaders, teachers, parents, and students passionately debated the inclusion of these texts for the state's 5.4m students. Nathan Irving, a pastor, emphasized: “Our children need truth," arguing that the list reflects the Christian foundations of the country. However, opponents, including Rabbi Josh Fixler, warned that the list could blur the lines between teaching about religion and teaching religion itself. The reading list is part of a state law passed in 2023, which aims to create a state-approved list of educational materials. A final vote on the list is expected in June, with implementation slated for the 2030-31 school year.

TECHNOLOGY

Schools need clear AI policy

Laura Arnett argues that schools should move beyond flexible AI guidelines and adopt formal policies that reduce risk, clarify expectations, and protect students, staff, and families. She says inconsistent classroom approaches leave school communities “lost and confused,” especially when teachers handle AI differently across subjects. Arnett, an AI policy consultant and adjunct instructor in workforce development at Westchester Community College, points to a 2025 survey showing only 22% of students received guidance on school AI policy, even though 86% used AI during the last school year.

Summit rebuilds for AI

In the latest Class Disrupted episode, Summit Public Schools leaders Cady Ching, CEO, and Dan Effland, senior director of innovation, describe how the network is redesigning its school model for an AI-native future. They argue that AI works best when schools are clear about outcomes, resources, and relationships rather than treating technology as the model itself. Ching says: “AI really isn’t replacing, it’s revealing whether or not your school model actually exists.” The discussion also highlights mentoring, career-connected learning, and stronger infrastructure to support personalized, community-based education.

FINANCE

Mill Valley schools seek tax boost

The Mill Valley School District is proposing Measure E on the June 2 ballot to extend its parcel tax, maintaining the current rate of $1,520 and adding a supplemental tax of $234, totaling $1,754 per parcel. This measure aims to raise approximately $14.9m annually for the district's schools, with a 5% annual increase over eight years. Board president Natalie Katz emphasized the need for additional funding due to an 8% increase in elementary enrollment, saying: “When enrollment increases, we don't get additional funding; we just have to do more with the budget that we have.” However, the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers opposes the 5% increase, arguing it is excessive compared to the 3% typical in other districts. Mayor Max Perrey highlighted the importance of this funding for maintaining quality education and programs in the community.

DISTRICTS

Petition against cuts to Team Academy

More than 1,400 individuals have signed a petition opposing the planned reduction of the Team Academy program at Archie Williams High School. Liz Mullins, a parent involved in the initiative, said: "When a beloved transformational 35-year program gets reduced to an unsustainable model without a board vote, without data, and with 10 minutes' notice to the program teacher, something has gone seriously wrong." The petition calls for the TUHSD Board of Trustees to ensure that significant program-level decisions receive board approval, as has been the precedent for 12 years. Principal Jacob Gran announced that the program would shift to a one-year model for seniors only, citing financial reasons and scheduling conflicts. However, supporters argue that this change threatens the program's integrity and sustainability.

Affordable housing for Oakland teachers

The Oakland Fund for Public Innovation has acquired a 33-unit apartment building in North Oakland for $12m, aimed at providing affordable housing for local educators. This initiative, part of the Rooted educator housing program, allows teachers to rent apartments at rates not exceeding 30% of their income. The building, located near Emerson Elementary, is expected to house over 90% educators within five years.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Armed drones enter schools

Mithril Defense is rolling out a school security system that uses ceiling-mounted high-speed drones to respond to active shooter incidents before law enforcement arrives. The “Campus Guardian Angel” system can provide live surveillance, navigate mapped campuses remotely, and deploy deterrents including strobe lights and pepper gel. The company says the drones can reach 100 miles per hour and operate in coordinated groups during emergencies. The technology is launching in schools in Florida and Georgia, but critics argue it could create new risks and draw funding away from stronger prevention strategies.

TRANSPORTATION

EPA resets bus program

The EPA is overhauling its $5bn Clean School Bus Program after its inspector general found weak oversight, including fraud risks, poor applicant verification, and inadequate monitoring of grant spending and bus deployment. In response, the agency has completed or is addressing 11 recommendations, adding tighter controls around verification, fund management, eligibility documentation, and financial guidance. With $2.37bn still unspent after awards to more than 1,100 districts, the relaunch will also seek input on biofuels, natural gas, and hydrogen, broadening the program beyond its earlier electric bus focus.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Pomona College faces racism backlash

Black students at Pomona College are demanding accountability following multiple incidents of racism, including the use of the N-word by students and a faculty member. The Pomona College Black Student Union reported that “repeated racial slurs” and a “modern-day blackface” party have contributed to a hostile environment. In response, college officials stated: “Racism has no place at Pomona College; it is antithetical to our educational mission.” They are investigating the incidents and have promised support and resources for affected students. However, many students feel that the administration's responses are insufficient, with calls for “stronger accountability” and concrete actions against racism. 

INTERNATIONAL

AI expands inclusive learning

AI is helping blind and visually impaired students in Australia access education with greater independence, personalization, and support. New tools allow students to engage with visual material such as graphs and diagrams through chat-based navigation and real-time explanations, addressing gaps in traditional teaching. Platforms including ALGA-Ed and Audemy are also adapting lessons in real time to student pace, preferences, and engagement. AI-enabled screen readers and image-recognition apps further improve access by converting text to speech and interpreting visual information, supporting stronger participation and retention.
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