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California
6th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Investigation into LAUSD's teacher reassignment

The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Los Angeles USD for allegedly reassigning teachers accused of sexual misconduct instead of removing them from their positions. The investigation stems from an August 2024 agreement between LAUSD and the United Teachers Los Angeles, which outlines reassignment during investigations. The federal agency claims that the district's interpretation of reassignment may violate federal law, as it implies a right to teach at a different school rather than being placed at home. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said: "The district seems to be putting the continued employment of sexual predators above the safety of students." The investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of LAUSD's practices regarding teacher misconduct and student safety.

SUPPORT DIVERSE LEARNERS

Expand Access to AANHPI Stories in California

As California recognizes Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, there’s an opportunity to move beyond celebration and ensure AANHPI voices are embedded in everyday learning. Authentic, culturally grounded stories help students feel seen, valued, and connected while strengthening cross-cultural understanding across diverse communities.

The new Rising Voices: Amplifying AANHPI Narratives was developed with AANHPI mentors, including California educators Joanna Ho and Dr. Don Vu. This curated collection elevates authentic, often underrepresented perspectives. Grounded in books as “mirrors, windows, and doors,” it fosters identity, empathy, and critical thinking and integrates easily into classroom libraries and instruction. Aligned to California’s priorities around equitable access and supporting diverse learners, this is a lasting investment in student engagement and success.

Explore Rising Voices AANHPI Collection

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Study finds school cellphone bans produce mixed results for students

A new study has found that school cellphone restrictions significantly reduce student phone use during the school day, but show mixed results when it comes to improving academic performance, attendance, and student well-being. The research, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, examined schools using Yondr pouches, which require students to lock their phones in magnetically sealed bags throughout the day. Researchers analyzed data from more than 40,000 schools over seven years, comparing schools using the system with similar schools that did not. The study found that cellphone usage on school grounds declined sharply after the policy was introduced, with GPS-based measurements showing a 30% reduction by the third year. Teacher reports also indicated a major drop in classroom phone use for personal reasons, falling from 61% of students to 13%. However, the broader educational and mental health benefits often cited by supporters of cellphone bans were less clear. Researchers found that overall effects on test scores were “close to zero,” although high schools showed modest improvements in math performance while middle schools experienced slight negative effects. The study also found little measurable impact on attendance, classroom attention, or perceptions of online bullying.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Rethinking school safety investments

American schools invest around $4bn in physical safety measures, but research from the Learning Policy Institute suggests that fostering trusting relationships, a positive climate, and mental health support yields better safety outcomes. Jennifer DePaoli, a researcher and author, said: “Unfortunately, in the name of keeping students safe in school, they may unintentionally be doing the opposite.” Instead of relying solely on physical measures, schools should focus on enhancing school climate and student support, as a national study of over 36,000 students found that connectedness significantly reduced absenteeism, substance abuse, and violence. DePaoli emphasized: “Every dollar spent on school safety is ultimately a choice about what kind of environment schools create for young people.”

TECHNOLOGY

New institute aims to protect kids from AI

Common Sense Media has established the Youth AI Safety Institute, an independent research lab dedicated to assessing the risks AI tools pose to children and teens. The initiative aims to provide parents with essential information and set safety benchmarks for tech companies. "We're at a catastrophic moment as AI is reshaping the lives of children," said Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer. The institute, backed by a $20m annual budget from various philanthropists and organizations, will stress test AI models to identify potential risks and publish consumer-friendly guides. The goal is to create independent safety standards that encourage tech firms to prioritize child safety in their AI developments.

Empowering youth through AI literacy

Two Aragon High School students, Adya Tewari and Saanvi Chawla, are on a mission to enhance AI literacy among young children and seniors. Their initiative, the AI Literacy Project, aims to educate people about artificial intelligence, its benefits, and associated risks. Tewari emphasized: "If students only are told what not to do... they'll grow up without a comprehensive understanding of all AI can do." The duo has successfully reached over 1,000 students through 16 workshops, focusing on digital safety and ethical AI use. Amanda Goll, principal at Bowditch Middle School, noted the effectiveness of peer-led presentations, stating: "There is a real need for this kind of education."

WORKFORCE

Pasadena schools face 280 layoffs

The Pasadena USD Board of Education is set to vote on over 280 layoffs during a special meeting on May 7. This decision is part of an ongoing budget reduction strategy. The board will consider two resolutions, one of which confirms layoffs primarily affecting certificated employees, including classroom teachers.

Sonoma Valley Schools cut 46 jobs

The Sonoma Valley USD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to eliminate the equivalent of 46 employee positions for the 2026-27 academic year during a meeting on Monday. This decision includes 12.8 full-time certificated positions and 21.6 other roles. The layoffs are expected to save the district approximately $3.25m. Board President David Bell noted that the decision was difficult but necessary to address budget constraints. The district will also face a 1% reduction in funding, impacting future operations.

GOVERNANCE

New principals take the helm

Peter Alvarez and Lauren Kelly have been appointed as the new principals for Aragon and Burlingame High Schools, respectively, by the San Mateo UHSD Board of Trustees. Their tenure begins on July 1. Alvarez, with over 30 years in education, previously led Campolindo High School and has held various principal roles in California and Colorado. Kelly, who has served as vice principal at McDonald High School, has extensive experience in educational leadership, including roles at Freedom High School and Evergreen Valley High School. 

DISTRICTS

Manteca USD expands dual enrollment

Manteca USD is considering expanding its dual enrollment program to include courses from Modesto Junior College and Delta College starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Currently, the district has a partnership with Delta College, and faculty members have recommended adding Modesto Junior College to enhance student access without duplicating existing offerings. The dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn both college and high school credits simultaneously, which "enhances college and career readiness while reducing time and cost in pursuing a college degree."

False drug claims spark school concern

Paso Robles USD has refuted an anonymous Facebook post claiming that students were "found drugged in the bathrooms." The district stated: "This claim is false," emphasizing that no such incidents have occurred. The post, which accused students of distributing drugs on campus, has raised concerns among families. In response, the district urged the community to avoid sharing unverified information, as it "contributes to unnecessary fear and spreads harmful misinformation." The district collaborates with the Paso Robles Police Department to address illegal activities, with a school resource officer present at the high school. They also utilize vape detectors in bathrooms and conduct random drug searches.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

President Trump revives school fitness test and presidential award program

President Donald Trump has revived the Presidential Physical Fitness Award as part of a broader effort to restore competitive physical fitness testing in American schools. Speaking at the White House alongside children, professional athletes, and Cabinet officials, Trump said the initiative is designed to promote athletic excellence, competitiveness, and healthier lifestyles among young Americans. The award will once again be tied to the Presidential Fitness Test, a long-running school program that was phased out during the Obama administration in favor of a health-focused fitness model. The original test measured students through activities such as a one-mile run, sit-ups, and other exercises, with top-performing students receiving the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Details of the updated program have not yet been released. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the test will immediately become mandatory at 161 schools located on U.S. military bases, while encouraging broader adoption nationwide. He argued that competition and physical strength are important national values. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the initiative to his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, criticizing the decision to eliminate the original test and pointing to rising childhood obesity rates in the United States.

 
PBS

Pesticide incident prompts school apology

Officials from Patterson Joint USD have apologized to parents following a pesticide drift incident at Apricot Valley Elementary on March 13. “It's an event that should not have happened,” said Dave Smith, director of administrative services. The incident led to students and staff experiencing skin irritations, prompting emergency services to intervene. The district has since committed to eliminating chemical weed control, investing $28,000 in a nonchemical machine called Weedtechnics Saturstream. PJUSD plans to use chemicals only when nonchemical methods fail and will prioritize organic pesticides.

EARLY EDUCATION

Celebrating unsung heroes of education

In San Mateo, early childhood educators are making a significant impact on children's lives, often without recognition. Dr. Charles Hansen highlights the vital role of preschool teachers, infant-toddler specialists, and Early Head Start providers in shaping young minds. At Manitas, a Spanish immersion preschool, educators foster a love for learning in a nurturing environment, while Peninsula Family Service supports nearly 500 children with bilingual expertise and hands-on learning. The Big Lift initiative, funded by Measure K, aims to close the literacy gap for low-income children, showing that preschoolers involved are 17% more likely to be kindergarten-ready. However, San Mateo County faces a funding shortfall of over $157m due to a technical flaw in school district funding.

NUTRITION

USDA restructures nutrition programs as states advance school meal policies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to relocate its Child Nutrition Programs from Washington, D.C., to Dallas as part of a broader restructuring of the agency’s food and nutrition operations. The move is tied to the creation of the USDA’s new Food and Nutrition Administration, which reorganizes several major federal nutrition programs into regional hubs. Under the restructuring, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will move to Indianapolis, while Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs will relocate to Kansas City. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the changes are intended to improve customer service and strengthen coordination with state and local governments that administer federal nutrition programs. The USDA said the reorganization will better align resources with the states and families served by the programs. At the state level, lawmakers in New York introduced legislation that would require schools to provide science-based nutrition education during the school day. The proposed curriculum would include lessons on the health effects of ultra-processed foods and the importance of healthy eating habits. The bill has been referred to the state Senate Education Committee. The proposal comes as ultra-processed foods face growing scrutiny nationwide, following updated federal dietary guidelines encouraging Americans to limit consumption of such products.

INTERNATIONAL

Australia weighs school lunch expansion

Advocates are calling for Australia to introduce a nationwide school lunch program, using a successful Tasmanian initiative as a model, to improve child nutrition and address rising food insecurity. The program, which currently delivers around 21,500 free meals per week across 60 Tasmanian public schools, has been linked to improved student behavior, attendance, and social outcomes, though a national rollout would likely require partial parent contributions of around A$5 ($3.58) per meal to remain sustainable. Experts say many students lack access to healthy food, which can negatively impact learning and well-being, and argue that a universal system, potentially with means-tested support, could ensure all children receive at least one nutritious meal per day while easing cost-of-living pressures on families.

AND FINALLY......

Mina Kimes named new host of Scripps National Spelling Bee

Mina Kimes has been named the new television host of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, as organizers overhaul the broadcast in an effort to revive viewership and modernize coverage of the century-old competition. The ESPN NFL analyst, who becomes the bee’s first celebrity host since LeVar Burton in 2022, said she hopes to bring a “big-game feel” to the event by highlighting the preparation, pressure, and competitive intensity behind elite spelling. Kimes compared studying top spellers to analyzing football game film, emphasizing the discipline and mental strategy involved. Scripps has also hired a new production team led by “Jeopardy!” executive producer Michael Davies, who said the goal is to make the bee “bigger and more famous” by focusing coverage around the drama and stakes of the final rounds. This year’s competition, scheduled for May 26-28 at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., will feature 247 contestants competing for more than $50,000 in prizes. The broadcast shake-up comes as ratings have remained below historical highs, despite Scripps moving coverage from ESPN to its ION and Bounce networks in 2022.
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