Become more informed in minutes....

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration, allowing the termination of approximately $65m in education grants aimed at teacher training. The case involved grants awarded under the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development programs. The 5-4 decision overturned a lower court's ruling that had blocked the administration's move, which was based on a new policy opposing DEI initiatives. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the dissenting liberal justices, while Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern that grant recipients would face significant program cancellations. The Department of Education argued that the grants promoted "objectionable DEI material," leading to their cancellation. A lawsuit was filed in March by eight states including California, Massachusetts and New York, on behalf of entities that receive the grants, such as universities and nonprofits, saying the decision to rescind the awards violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The case only involves grants issued to entities in the states that sued. In total, the Department of Education canceled about $600m in grants for teacher training.

 

CNBC

Los Angeles Times

Politico

Washington Post

Free College Application Checklist for Your Students

Between choosing a major, writing college essays, and gathering all of the required documents, applying to college can feel overwhelming for students. But it doesn’t have to be.

With Savvas PathMaker’s college checklist, your students will find:

• Tips on how to choose a major and a college that are right for them
  
• A 6-month action plan to complete their college applications on time
  
• Steps to save money along the way with financial aid, scholarships, and fee waivers

Share this free checklist with your students to guide them through the college application process.

Get Your Free Resource

 

California lawmakers are reigniting debate over how reading should be taught in schools with AB 1121, a bill that would require phonics-based reading instruction statewide. The bill, similar to one that failed last year, mandates training for teachers and a unified curriculum aligned with the “science of reading,” emphasizing phonics over whole-language methods. Supporters say phonics improves literacy outcomes, particularly for English learners and low-income students, citing success in districts like Bonita Unified and Kings Canyon. Opponents—including bilingual education advocates—argue phonics alone doesn’t address the needs of English learners and may limit instruction to decoding rather than comprehension. They urge a broader approach combining phonics with oral language development. Despite consensus that California’s stagnant reading scores signal a crisis — nearly 60% of third graders are below grade level—the bill remains divisive. The Legislature has yet to schedule a hearing as discussions continue on finding common ground.

 

KQED

SF Gate

While elementary attendance is rebounding post-pandemic, California’s high school absenteeism remains a major concern. Recent data shows over 28% of high school seniors are chronically absent. Experts say traditional strategies don’t work for teens juggling jobs, family care, or mental health challenges. Just 40% of high schoolers feel they belong, and only 22% believe teachers understand their lives beyond school. Solutions include regular teacher-student check-ins, peer-led attendance campaigns, and shifting from punitive messaging to positive reinforcement. YouthTruth data also shows 68% of high schoolers want to help their communities but few get the chance—a missed opportunity for engagement. Mental health is another key factor: nearly half of students cite depression or anxiety as a barrier to learning. Support gaps are especially pronounced among LGBTQ+ and minority students. Improving high school attendance means tailoring strategies by grade, emphasizing connection, support, and relevance — not just automated calls or attendance certificates.

 

EdSource

As President Donald Trump implements significant changes to the U.S. Department of Education, disability advocates are expressing deep concern over the future of special education services. Robyn Linscott, director of education and family policy at The Arc of the United States, said: “Parents are reaching out to us, calling and feeling really scared.” The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures a free public education for students with disabilities, but recent cuts and proposed shifts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have raised questions about the department's ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Jennifer Coco, interim executive director at the Center for Learner Equity, emphasized that separating the education of students with disabilities from their peers “further pathologizes disability.” The Education Department has assured that no actions have been taken to transfer federally mandated programs at this time.

 

The Bradenton Times

The $600m initiative to rebuild three Los Angeles USD schools affected by the Palisades fire has reached a significant milestone ahead of schedule, with debris removal completed. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho described this as a "pivotal moment for all of us," stressing the urgency to return students to their campuses. Mayor Karen Bass echoed the commitment to expedite the rebuilding process, commenting: "We are absolutely committed to making sure that Palisades is rebuilt as fast as possible." The rebuilding will cost approximately $150m for each elementary school and $300m for Palisades High. The district plans to utilize a $9bn construction bond and $50m from insurance, while also seeking federal assistance. Carvalho expressed concerns about federal support, stating: "It would be the understatement of the decade if we said that we have concerns about the expediency of federal support." The community's support has also been evident, with over $1.3m raised for playground restoration.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Alum Rock Union Elementary District in East San Jose is facing a significant crisis as it prepares to close several schools due to declining enrollment and financial instability. With student numbers plummeting from over 16,000 in the early 2000s to around 7,300, the district is at risk of state takeover. The district plans to close five schools and consolidate four more, reflecting a broader trend in California where 222 schools have closed between 2019-20 and 2023-24. The closures aim to save nearly $1m in administrative and operational costs, but the emotional impact on the community is profound, as parents and staff grapple with the loss of their schools.

 

EdSource

A new report highlights how rising housing costs in Marin County are driving out low-income families, contributing to school enrollment declines and education budget cuts. The report shows that nearly 5% of households earning below the area median income left the county between 2022 and 2023. Many workers now commute long distances, unable to afford housing in the communities where they work and their children once attended school. The exodus is having a ripple effect on education. As fewer families can afford to live in the county, local schools are experiencing enrollment drops that threaten funding and long-term sustainability. The report calls for policy interventions like rent control and tenant protections, though such efforts have faced resistance.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Two schools in the Campbell USD have received the prestigious title of 2025 California Distinguished Schools. Capri Elementary School has achieved this honor for the first time, while Forest Hill Elementary School has been recognized for the fifth time. This recognition highlights the commitment to excellence in education within the district.

 

Mercury News

Disha Divakar and Dominique Janot, seniors from San Marin High School, have emerged as overall champions in parliamentary debate at the Golden Gate Speech Association's state qualifier tournament, placing first out of 48 teams. Their victory qualifies them for the state championship scheduled for May 2-4 in Culver City.

 

The Sacramento Bee

A Marin tax watchdog group, the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, is campaigning against Measure E, a parcel tax renewal in the Ross Valley School District, claiming the ballot language is misleading. President Mimi Willard argues that the new tax structure, which shifts to a per-square-foot basis, could be excessive for larger property owners. In contrast, Massimo Pacchione, a leader of the "Yes on E" campaign, insists that the district has been transparent about the costs and that the timing of the election is crucial for funding teachers, who are among the lowest paid in Marin County. Pacchione said: "If we wait, the money raised would take over two years to reach our teachers." Measure E, if approved, would charge 52 cents per square foot for nine years, with an annual 3% increase.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Courtney Goode has been appointed as the new superintendent of Tamalpais UHSD, succeeding Tara Taupier, who retires on June 30. Goode, currently an assistant superintendent at the Escondido UHSD, was selected from a competitive pool of candidates. Cynthia Roenisch, president of the board, said: "Once Dr. Goode's contract is ratified... you will hear more about why the board selected Dr. Goode as a finalist."

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

School gardens provide a unique learning environment that transcends traditional education. Through hands-on experiences, students engage in lessons that encompass various subjects, including math and English/language arts. In Washington, D.C., the FoodPrints program by FRESHFARM collaborates with 21 public elementary schools to integrate gardening, cooking, and nutrition into the curriculum. This program equips teachers with resources and lessons that connect food to core subjects, such as exploring the “Three Sisters” planting method or using cooking to reinforce multiplication.

 

Education Week News

California State University (CSU) has issued a warning for faculty, staff, and students to "carefully assess the necessity of international travel" due to recent immigration enforcement actions. The guidance emphasizes the need for caution, stating: "Immigration policies, practices, travel bans, and health and safety risks are shifting daily." It highlights potential stricter border security and scrutiny for visa-holders, particularly those involved in sensitive research areas. CSU advises international students to carry essential documents, including course registrations and transcripts, to prove their affiliation with the university. The memo follows reports of visa revocations linked to student activism, prompting legal action from organizations like the American Association of University Professors.

 

EdSource

In a ruling on Friday, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian mandated that Columbia University must provide detained activist Mahmoud Khalil and other students with 30 days' notice before releasing any documents to Congress regarding antisemitism investigations on college campuses. While the judge did not block the university from complying with congressional requests, he allowed the students to amend their request for a temporary restraining order. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg described the ruling as a “victory for credible oversight,” emphasizing the importance of investigating antisemitism in education. Khalil, facing deportation for his protests against Israel, and his legal team expressed their commitment to challenging the congressional efforts, stating, “We now know that the government is testing the First Amendment's limits.”

 

U.S. News

In Afghanistan, the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary education has led to significant internal conflict among its officials. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the acting deputy foreign minister, publicly criticized the ban, stating: "The Taliban was committing an injustice" by denying girls education. This division is particularly evident between hardline members in Kandahar and more moderate officials in Kabul. Despite some officials advocating for girls' education, the Taliban's leadership remains resistant to change. As a result, many families are risking their lives to flee Afghanistan for better educational opportunities for their daughters. Currently, around 2.2m girls are deprived of education, with little indication that the Taliban will reverse its policies.

 

NBC Miami