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The U.S. government shutdown has ended with a bipartisan funding deal, but neither party emerged satisfied. Democrats failed to secure a key health insurance tax credit extension, while Republicans faced public backlash, as reflected in polls and elections. The shutdown disrupted millions—federal employees missed paychecks and food banks saw long lines due to stalled aid. "Never have American families faced a situation where their health care costs are set to double — double in the blink of an eye," warned Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Meanwhile, schools are still struggling with food insecurity and disrupted support services. SNAP benefit delays caused food shortages in school pantries, severely affecting low-income families. Federal education staff layoffs halted services for homeless and migrant students, with uncertainty persisting until at least January 30. “I don’t think anything goes back to normal after such a long shutdown,” said Barbara Duffield of SchoolHouse Connection. Advocates warn of ongoing challenges and potential program cuts in upcoming funding decisions.

 

AP News

Ed Source

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The U.S. Department of Education wants to remove a requirement for states to report detailed data on racial disparities in special education in their IDEA Part B grant applications, citing administrative relief. States would still need to comply with the Equity in IDEA rule, but no longer report methodology changes. Critics argue this weakens oversight. “It would erode federal accountability,” say civil rights advocates, noting students with disabilities make up 17% of enrollment but 29% of suspensions. They warn the change risks concealing systemic inequities the 2016 rules aimed to address.

 

K-12 Dive

A Superior Court judge has allowed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles USD regarding the alleged misuse of Proposition 28 funds for arts education to proceed. The suit, initiated by former district Superintendent Austin Beutner, who is also a mayoral candidate, claims that LAUSD has improperly used the funds by replacing existing resources instead of enhancing them, which has adversely affected Black and Latino students. Beutner said: “L.A. Unified continues to spend millions of dollars on lawyers to say they don’t have to follow the law,” emphasizing the seriousness of the case. An LAUSD spokesperson responded, asserting their commitment to arts education and compliance with Prop. 28 requirements.

 

EdSource

San Francisco's public schools are grappling with the challenges of California's expanded transitional kindergarten program, which now allows all 4-year-olds to enroll for free. The San Francisco USD received nearly 2,000 applications this year, an increase of about 700 from the previous year, prompting the addition of six new classrooms. However, many parents and educators express frustration over the lack of permanent educators in these transitional kindergarten classrooms.

 

San Francisco Examiner

Arrowhead Grove Head Start, operated by San Bernardino County, provides essential preschool programs for children from low-income families in the Inland Empire. These programs aim to enhance children's educational readiness and life skills. On a recent day, children engaged in various activities, including listening to stories and riding tricycles, which help develop their hand-eye coordination.

 

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Members of the Newport-Mesa Federation of Teachers, Local-1794, recently protested for a more substantial salary increase during a training day. The district's offer of a 2% raise, up from an initial 0.97%, falls short of the 2.3% California cost of living adjustment, according to union President Rhonda Reid, who said: “They just want to have salaries where they can afford where they live.” The district claims teachers are well compensated, having received a 20.6% raise over the past four years. However, the union argues that this is misleading, as the state-funded cost-of-living adjustment was 20.92% during that time. The impasse in negotiations continues as the union seeks a salary increase exceeding 2%.

 

Los Angeles Times

Robert Mayfield, a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience, resigned from his position at Ripon USD during a board meeting on Monday. He expressed gratitude to the elected leaders and school officials as he transitions to the San Joaquin County Office of Education. The board also approved seven new hires, including paraeducator Lidia Jacobs from Weston Elementary School and several custodial and food service staff members.

 

Manteca Bulletin

In Philadelphia, a group of 11 teachers who survived school shootings has formed a crisis intervention team to support fellow educators. This initiative, part of the organization Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence, aims to provide one-on-one support and visit campuses after mass shootings. The team has been trained to offer peer support and handle their own emotional responses while assisting others. Abby Clements, cofounder of the organization, noted that teachers often feel overlooked in the aftermath of such tragedies, lacking adequate support and time to grieve. The crisis team hopes to collaborate with school administrators to improve support for teachers and address the unique challenges they face after traumatic events.

 

Chalkbeat

In a recent trip to Finland, Kusum Sinha, the superintendent of Garden City Public Schools, was inspired by the country's emphasis on play in education. "I thought, how can I replicate that here? We don't do enough of it," she said, reflecting on the 15-minute exercise breaks for every 45 minutes of instruction. Research from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, supports this approach, showing that high-intensity interval exercises can enhance students' performance on standardized tests. Eric Drollette, the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of integrating physical activity into the school day, stating: "If we keep removing physical activity, we may be hampering mental health as well as cognitive function."

 

The Sacramento Bee

The Palo Alto school board is urged to hold a study session regarding former board member Todd Collins’ argument against the necessity of the $941-per-year parcel tax. Collins pointed out that while property tax assessments are rising, student enrollment is declining, leading to increased funding per student—from $16,000 a decade ago to over $35,000 today. He predicts this will reach nearly $50,000 in five years. Despite this, the board plans to renew the parcel tax for another seven years, which Collins argues is unnecessary given the district's financial health.

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

San Luis Coastal USD is transforming its food offerings, moving away from mundane meals to introduce diverse flavors. Erin Primer, the director of food and nutrition services, noted the importance of exploring global cuisines to engage students. The district has started serving dishes like sweet potato and black bean chimichurri bowls, which have been well-received. However, funding cuts from the Local Food for Schools program, which has provided about $23m in grants to California schools, threaten these initiatives. Suzanne Morales, president of the California School Nutrition Association, noted: “The last thing we want to do is cut for children’s nutrition because children who are hungry or malnourished can’t learn.”

 

EdSource

Alameda USD has announced several achievements, including Bay Farm School being designated a Blue Ribbon School, an honor given to only 31 schools in California this year. Bay Farm was recognized as an “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School” for its efforts in narrowing achievement gaps. Additionally, three AUSD schools—ASTI, Alameda High, and Love Elementary—were included in the Educational Results Partnership’s 2025 Honor Roll, which recognizes schools excelling in student performance.

 

East Bay

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) has highlighted the necessity of foundational computer science (CS) education for all students. According to the upcoming 2025 Teacher Landscape Report, 70% of computer science teachers are already incorporating AI into their curricula. The CSTA's recent survey, conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Computing Education (AiiCE), found that 80% of K-12 computer science teachers view AI as essential to the curriculum. The report highlights that 44 states have established standards for teaching these foundational skills, with many requiring computer science for graduation. The CSTA asserts: "A foundational computer science education is the cornerstone of AI literacy." To prepare students for a future driven by computing, educators must engage them as creators of AI, not just users.

 

EdSource

Chinese authorities have introduced new measures aimed at enhancing the mental health of primary and secondary school students. The initiatives, announced by the Ministry of Education, focus on reducing academic pressure, limiting screen time, and mandating two hours of physical exercise daily. Schools are required to enforce a ban on mobile phones in classrooms and implement "screen-free" periods to mitigate excessive internet use. Additionally, the ministry emphasized the need for schools to manage homework loads and ensure students receive adequate sleep. The ministry said: "Strictly enforce sleep management regulations, resolutely curb violations such as excessive studying and prevent excessive academic burdens." These measures are designed to help students cope with stress and anxiety, particularly during exam periods.

 

Reuters