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The California Department of Education (CDE) has filed a lawsuit against Rocklin USD in Northern California, accusing it of failing to implement corrective actions for a gender notification policy deemed discriminatory. This policy, adopted in September 2023, mandates parental notification if a student requests to be identified by a name, pronouns, or bathroom use that differs from their biological sex. The CDE, which began investigating shortly after the policy's adoption, argues that this policy violates students' privacy rights and lacks any educational purpose. According to a report released by the CDE on February 1, 2024, the policy specifically targets a certain group of students and interferes unnecessarily in student-parent relationships. Despite the CDE's findings, Rocklin Unified has reportedly not complied with directives to cease implementation and communicate these decisions to school personnel and students. The lawsuit seeks immediate revocation of the policy and compensation for legal fees. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions surrounding parent rights and student privacy in school settings, reflecting wider national debates on these issues.

 

CBS News

When it comes to public schools, chronic absenteeism has become a major problem that often goes unnoticed amidst other controversies. Since schools fully reopened, chronic absenteeism rates have remained high, with about 28% of students being chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year. This is a significant increase from the pre-pandemic rate of 15%. Chronic absenteeism not only affects students' academic performance but also their social and emotional development. It can lead to lower test scores, increased dropout rates, and negative long-term outcomes. The issue is particularly prevalent in disadvantaged areas, exacerbating inequality. Efforts are being made to address chronic absenteeism, including additional resources and support services. However, the complex nature of the problem, influenced by various factors such as housing instability and mental health concerns, makes finding solutions challenging.

 

Los Angeles Times

A new review suggests that implementing school mandates for the HPV vaccination could significantly boost immunization rates among American adolescents. Currently, only about half of American children are up-to-date with their HPV shots, which are crucial in preventing cervical and other cancers linked to the human papillomavirus. The study, led by Brigid Grabert, found that not only do such mandates increase HPV vaccination rates, but mandating other vaccines also has a "spillover" effect, encouraging more comprehensive vaccination coverage, including for HPV. Presently, only a few regions—Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.—require the HPV vaccine for school entry. Grabert emphasizes the importance of these findings for policymakers, highlighting that effective strategies are essential to increase HPV vaccination and reduce related cancers and diseases.

 

Killeen Daily Herald

Moore County News Press

Less than half of middle and high school students surveyed in a report from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation say they feel motivated to go to school. The survey, which included over 1,000 Gen Z students aged 12 to 18, found that many students were not engaged and were merely going through the motions. The report also highlighted the importance of a sense of purpose in students' happiness.

 

EdSource

Dublin USD is implementing a new grading policy called "equity grading," which aims to measure students' understanding of the material rather than focusing on traditional grading methods. The policy has raised concerns among high-achieving students, who feel that it puts more pressure on them to be perfect. Under the new system, A's are almost unachievable unless students score 100%, and F's are eliminated. The district's goal is to reduce the impact of factors like extra credit and homework on grades and provide more opportunities for lower-performing students to improve. However, parents and teachers worry that the changes will discourage high-achieving students and leave them unprepared for college. Critics argue that the policy is a strategic move to boost graduation rates and meet admission requirements for universities. Some students are already considering transferring to schools that do not use equitable grading. The controversy surrounding the new grading policy highlights the ongoing debate about how to achieve equity in education while maintaining high standards for all students.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

In Stockton, California, students will be learning about the histories and experiences of Black, Latino, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities through a unique medium—rap music. The Stockton USD has approved a series of 41 rap performances by SchoolYard Rap, an education content company based in Fresno. This decision was made with the aim of delivering educational content in a more engaging and relevant way for students. The initiative, which will run through June, follows a successful pilot performance during Black History Month last February that reportedly received positive responses from students. The programming is designed not only to cover historical facts but also to address social-emotional and mental health issues relevant to these communities. Despite the innovative approach, the program, costing the district $700,000, has stirred some controversy and debate among board members and the public. Critics, including Area 3 Trustee Alicia Rico who voted against the proposal, have questioned the cost and the procurement process, which did not involve competitive bidding. However, Superintendent Michelle Rodriguez clarified that the funds used are specifically allocated for enrichment activities and cannot be diverted to other needs such as safety enhancements. The funding for SchoolYard Rap comes from a designated state budget for enrichment activities, aiming to ensure that educational initiatives like this can continue without financial constraints from the district's general funding.

 

The Stockton Record

Hollister High School has been ranked as a "Best High School" by U.S. News & World Report for the sixth consecutive year. The school is in the top 40% nationally and ranks 45th among San Jose metro area high schools. Hollister High School is recognized for its outstanding outcomes in math, reading, and science state assessments, as well as its high graduation rates. Principal Kevin Medeiros and Associated Student Body President Jada Dickens express their pride in the school's recognition. The San Benito High School District is also proud of Hollister High School's achievement and emphasizes its commitment to academic success through innovative programs and dedicated students. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum commends the consistent team effort to deliver high-quality education. The rankings are based on factors such as college readiness, curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, underserved student performance, and graduation rates.

 

Hollister Free Lance

The Napa Valley USD has sold its second vacant school, the former site of Carneros Elementary School, for $1.6m. The district had previously sold the Yountville Elementary School campus for $11m. The vacant Harvest Middle School could be the next to be sold. The district had discussed redevelopment plans for the site, but no further action has been taken. The Carneros campus has been vacant since 2021 and was previously home to Stone Bridge School. The district's decision to sell schools is due to shrinking enrollment and a loss of state funding. The district currently has an enrollment of 16,109 students.

 

Press Democrat

UCLA experienced a tumultuous night of violence at a pro-Palestinian encampment, leading to the cancellation of classes and the launch of an investigation by UC President Michael V. Drake. The university's handling of the protests, sparked by the ongoing Gaza war, has come under scrutiny. Late Tuesday night, a group dressed in black outfits and white masks attempted to dismantle the camp's barricades, leading to hours of conflict, including physical assaults and the use of fireworks and pepper spray. The delay in police response, taking three hours for law enforcement to intervene, has triggered widespread criticism and calls for a detailed review. UC President Drake has announced an independent review to assess the university’s response to the incident. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block described the events as a "dark chapter" in the campus's history and emphasized a reevaluation of the university's security processes. The encampment, which had been declared "unlawful" by UCLA officials prior to the incident, is now facing potential dismantlement. The situation remains tense, with various stakeholders, including students and faculty, expressing concern over the university's management of the protests and the implications for campus safety and free expression.

 

Los Angeles Times

Scientists have found that popular teenage girls are more likely to experience sleep problems, including insomnia. A study conducted on Swedish teenagers aged 14 to 18 revealed that popular girls reported shorter sleep duration and more insomnia symptoms compared to their peers. The study also found that popularity negatively impacts sleep both before and after the advent of smartphones. Interestingly, popular boys did not experience these sleep problems to a significant extent. The gender disparities in sleep deprivation among popular teenagers might be attributed to the types of friendships girls and boys tend to have at that age. These findings highlight the need for school schedules to accommodate teenagers' sleep needs, as sleep deprivation can have negative effects on mental health and school performance.

 

The Fresno Bee