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Oakland teachers are set to strike for one day on Thursday, protesting what they claim are unfair labor practices by Oakland USD leaders. The district plans to keep schools open by utilizing other staff to supervise students. OEA President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer said "Oakland educators’ priorities are the students and families we serve every day,” emphasizing the union's efforts to work with district leadership for essential information needed for collective bargaining. The district is attempting to prevent the strike, acknowledging the frustration it causes. The letter to families warned that even a one-day strike could disrupt critical learning and services for students. The union's latest move comes after a tumultuous month, including the firing of Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammel.

 

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According to a recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation poll, nearly 40% of teachers in the U.S. believe their students are not on track for success. The concern is particularly pronounced among middle school teachers, with 44% expressing doubts, and 47% in schools with high rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Zach Hrynowski, a senior education researcher at Gallup, said: “We have a sense of the types of activities that help teachers feel like their students are ready to succeed.” The poll also highlights a correlation between teachers' perceptions of student success and their excitement about teaching. Additionally, issues like excessive cellphone use are cited as factors affecting student focus. While two-thirds of K-12 teachers report job satisfaction, this is closely linked to available resources and school leadership support. Hrynowski emphasized the importance of ensuring teachers have the necessary materials to support their students effectively.

 

Education Week News

Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez has been appointed as the new superintendent of Orange USD, which serves 25,000 students. This leadership change marks a significant step for the district as it aims to enhance educational outcomes. Monárrez previously led a Massachusetts school district and is expected to bring her expertise to Orange Unified. As she takes on this role, the community looks forward to her vision and leadership in shaping the future of education in the district.

 

The Orange Country Register

Assembly member Al Muratsuchi, D-Los Angeles, has introduced Assembly Bill 84, which critics argue undermines charter schools in California. The bill aims to grant the Department of Public Instruction new powers to regulate and audit charter schools, potentially limiting their operational flexibility. As noted by the Charter Schools Development Center: "Instead of preserving the flexibility and innovation that make charter schools successful, this bill imposes excessive regulation.” The legislation comes amid declining public school enrollment and poor test scores, with only 47% of students meeting state English standards and 35.5% meeting math standards. Critics suggest that rather than stifling charter schools, lawmakers should look to them for inspiration to improve traditional public schools. Muratsuchi's push for AB 84 raises concerns about the future of educational competition in California.

 

LA Daily News

The Orange Country Register

A recent study from Oregon State University reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance creativity in student writing when instructors provide guidance. The research, conducted in two online creative writing courses, indicated that students using ChatGPT with instructor support outperformed those who either did not use AI or used it without guidance. Wayne Harrison, a senior instructor in the School of Writing, Literature & Film, said: “This approach has huge implications, not just for writing classes, but for any discipline where critical or creative thinking matters.” The findings also showed that AI particularly benefited lower-performing students, while those who used AI without guidance reported the lowest satisfaction levels.

 

Edscoop

State policies are increasingly emphasizing the need for human oversight in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Following the Trump administration's recent executive orders promoting AI leadership, states are now tasked with guiding schools on how to incorporate this technology responsibly. Reg Leichty, the founder of Foresight Law + Policy advisers, observed that "the federal government has truly placed states at the forefront." Despite the issuance of guidance documents by many states that highlight the benefits and risks of AI, concerns persist regarding the lack of attention given to issues such as police surveillance in schools. Clarence Okoh from the Center on Privacy and Technology pointed out that "the rise of AI surveillance in public education is one of the most urgent civil and human rights challenges confronting public schools today."

 

EdSurge

Nicholas Patey, a math teacher at Golden Valley High School, has been honored as the 2025/26 William S. Hart USD Teacher of the Year. This accolade recognizes educators who significantly impact their students and communities. Superintendent Michael Vierra highlighted Patey's innovative teaching methods and his ability to connect with students, fostering a supportive classroom environment. Student Angel Gonzalez praised Patey: "Being a student in Mr. Patey's class is like being within a family." Patey will be celebrated at the Annual Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year Awards banquet and will represent the district in the county-level competition.

 

Signalscv.com

The Catholic Church in Oklahoma is advocating for taxpayer funding of St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which aims to provide education aligned with Christian teachings. This proposal, if approved by the Supreme Court, which is to hear arguments later today, could set a precedent for religious charter schools nationwide. Critics argue that it threatens the separation of church and state and could divert funds from public schools. Chief Justice John Roberts previously said that “A State need not subsidize private education,” but added that, once it does, it cannot exclude religious institutions. The case has divided state leaders, with some supporting the funding of religious schools while others oppose it. Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, emphasized that this funding model violates religious freedom by forcing taxpayers to support religious education. A decision from the court is anticipated by early summer.

 

AP News

California has allocated $500m to support the addition of 1,000 zero-emission school buses and charging infrastructure across the state, benefiting 133 school districts. San Diego USD is the largest recipient, set to receive funding for 50 buses. Gene Robinson, the district's director of transportation expressed satisfaction as the district has not acquired new buses since 2010. The funding is part of the Zero-Emissions School Bus and Infrastructure project, which aims to transition all school bus purchases to zero-emission by 2035. Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted the initiative's importance, saying: "We're proving that clean transportation is here to stay." The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, equivalent to removing over 4,000 cars from the road.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Justice Elementary School in Los Angeles USD exemplifies a troubling trend where high-performing schools have thousands of open seats yet remain inaccessible to many children. According to the report "Crisis in the School House," only 39 out of 456 elementary schools in LAUSD have over 70% of students reading at grade level, and these schools collectively have more than 8,000 vacant spots. Despite state laws mandating open enrollment for all district children, many schools, including Justice, maintain exclusionary attendance zones. Tim DeRoche, president of Available to All, emphasizes that "if they have open seats, they should be required to make them available to any family in the district." This situation reflects a broader issue of educational inequity, mirroring historical patterns of redlining.

 

SGV Tribune

Vanessa Buitrago, a graduate of Modesto High, is the finalist to become the next superintendent of Modesto City Schools, pending board approval. Currently the network deputy superintendent for Oakland USD, Buitrago has a rich background in education, having served as an instructional assistant superintendent and principal in Sacramento. She expressed her commitment, saying: "Becoming the superintendent of Modesto City Schools is a personal, not just professional, achievement." The board's decision followed input from students, parents, and educational partners, with Buitrago expected to assume her role in July after the board meeting on May 12. Board President Abel Maestas praised her dedication to improving education for all students, highlighting her journey as an English language learner.

 

The Modesto Bee

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect classrooms, as educators like Jennifer Orr highlight the increased behavior challenges and learning gaps among students. Orr notes, “Our students are not OK,” emphasizing the need for collaboration with counselors and parents to support students' social and emotional well-being. The trauma experienced during the pandemic has led to significant social and emotional issues, with many students struggling to engage and connect. Educators are urged to create supportive environments that foster connections and address these challenges holistically. As Melanie Shoffner and Angela W. Webb point out, the educational landscape has shifted, requiring a focus on relevance and authenticity in teaching. The pandemic has reshaped priorities, pushing educators to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care while navigating the complexities of modern education.

 

Education Week News

As Gen Z graduates high school, many are opting out of traditional college due to rising costs. The annual expense for a four-year public college surged by 30% from 2011 to 2023, while private colleges saw a 42% increase. Nich Tremper, a senior economist at Gusto, notes, “There are about 2m fewer students in a traditional four-year university now than in 2011.” Instead, young adults are pursuing skilled trades, with 18% of the workforce in this sector being Gen Z. For instance, Morgan Bradbury, who completed a welding certification, secured a job at BAE Systems with a starting salary of $57,000. Despite higher wages for college graduates, Tremper highlights that “job security has been stronger in the trades than in many traditional white-collar jobs.” With Baby Boomers retiring, opportunities in skilled trades are expected to grow, allowing Gen Z to thrive economically.

 

CNBC

Japan Teachers’ Union (JTU) President Takashi Kajiwara has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education system to tackle the growing teacher shortage and ensure the well-being of educators. Speaking at the Japanese  House of Representatives Committee on Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, he emphasized the excessive workload imposed on teachers due to increasing school duties and student issues, adding "Despite a 2019 law capping overtime, teacher working hours have barely decreased." The mental health crisis among teachers, with rising cases of burnout and stress-related sick leaves, further exacerbates the situation. He called for financial support from the government, refinement of curriculum to improve curriculum overload, and support for transitioning school club activities to community-run programs. He also stressed the need to reduce class sizes, set limits on teaching hours, and to hire more education support personnel to handle administrative and operational tasks.

 

Education International

According to a recent Walton Foundation-Gallup survey of nearly 2,000 K-12 teachers, 35% believe that students entering the workforce are unprepared, with only 10% feeling they are "very prepared." For college-bound students, just 21% of teachers reported them as "very prepared." The survey also highlighted that teachers' enthusiasm directly influences student engagement, with Stephanie Marken, senior partner for U.S. research at Gallup, saying: "Teachers play a critical role in shaping student success." Alarmingly, nearly half of the teachers reported frequent burnout, working an average of 50 hours a week, with 37% dissatisfied with their workload and less than half satisfied with their pay. Collaboration among teachers was noted as a factor that enhances job satisfaction.

 

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