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Following January 2025 immigration raids in California’s Central Valley, student absences rose 22%, totaling 81,000 missed school days among 113,000 children across five districts. Stanford professor Thomas Dee attributed the spike to fear and trauma: “Aggressive interior immigration enforcement drives families with school-age children away.” The broader climate of increased enforcement under the new administration, including raids at schools and daycares, has sparked lawsuits and national concern. Experts warn the psychological toll disrupts learning, especially for younger children in immigrant households, who are left feeling unsafe and anxious.

 

The 74 (Online)

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As the workforce and student needs evolve, how can schools ensure students are future-ready? Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic solution. Our comprehensive free guide empowers school leaders with practical tools—from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists—to strengthen CTE offerings and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindsets needed for future success.

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Career and technical education (CTE) programs are increasingly centered on technology, particularly digital tech, IT, AI, and cybersecurity. A recent EdWeek survey found that 28% of schools launched such programs in the last five years. Michael Connet from the Association for Career and Technical Education noted that the pandemic spurred ed tech adoption, saying, “Now that we're back in person… ed tech has stayed with them.” Alongside tech, construction and hospitality remain key CTE tracks, with even non-tech fields integrating more digital tools.

 

Education Week News

Aaron Garth Smith, director of education policy at the Reason Foundation, argues in an op-ed against the California Teachers Association's (CTA) "We Can't Wait" campaign, which seeks more funding for school districts to deliver measures like reduced class sizes and more counselors and mental health professionals. Smith argues that while per-pupil public school funding rose by nearly 79% between 2002 and 2023, there have not been "commensurate gains in student outcomes". He attributes part of that mismatch to a "textbook case of mission creep", noting that while enrollment fell by 317,253 students over that period, "the number of non-teachers - including counselors, psychologists, social workers, administrators, and instructional aides - increased by 74,428".

 

The Orange Country Register

Texas’ new law mandating Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms has prompted resignations, legal battles, and widespread controversy. High school theater teacher Gigi Cervantes resigned, saying: “I just was not going to be a part of forcing or imposing religious doctrine onto my students.” While some districts like Frisco acted swiftly, others, including Galveston, paused amid lawsuits and court orders blocking enforcement. The law, requiring conspicuous display of donated posters, has stirred debates among educators, parents, and students, raising constitutional concerns and fears about religious freedom and inclusion.

 

ABC News

Orlando Sentinel

Neda Farid, a member of the Glendale USD board of education, has been nominated for the California School Board Association’s (CSBA) Delegate Assembly for District 23A. The GUSD board can nominate a member or someone from the region for the two available seats. Shant Sahakian, who has served on the assembly, expressed gratitude to the 13 school boards that elect representatives, stating: “I would love to see a member of our district continue the tradition in representing the 13 districts of 23A.” If elected, Farid will succeed Sahakian alongside Kathleen Cross. The board unanimously declared her the nominee, with members congratulating her on this significant achievement.

 

Cresenta Valley Weekly

The Board of Trustees of the Rincon Valley USD has faced questions from the community over the district's plans to tackle an $8.5m deficit announced last month. The district has said the deficit, equivalent to around 8% of its budget, has been driven by rising costs, declining enrollment in the TK-6 system, and the loss of one-off pandemic-related funding. Superintendent Mike Herfurth has set out a number of possible options for reconfiguring the district, with each plan involving the closure of one existing elementary school.

 

Press Democrat

Cost-cutting measures being considered by the Tamalpais UHSD that would affect Tamiscal High School and San Andreas High School have sparked opposition from students, teachers and parents, with almost 100 people attending a recent board meeting to discuss the proposals. Superintendent Courtney Goode said she can "understand and appreciate people's advocacy for their kids, and the teachers and programs that serve their kids well - that's a very real thing", but has warned that the "structural deficit we are facing is also real".

 

Merced Sun Star

The Glendale USD board of education has approved a new mobile communications policy, following extensive discussions and community feedback. The policy outlines different requirements for mobile device use based on grade level. For elementary and middle school students, limited use is allowed during emergencies, with teacher permission, for individualized education plans (IEPs), or when medically necessary, such as for tracking insulin levels. High school teachers will collaborate with students and parents to create site-specific policies. The GUSD superintendent has the authority to restrict access to mobile devices to protect privacy and prevent illegal activities.

 

Cresenta Valley Weekly

Music teachers in the Modesto City Schools district have raised complaints with the Board of Education over a proposal to restructure the elementary school day. Teachers have expressed fears that while the proposals, which aim to increase exposure to the visual and performing arts, would ensure general education music classes for all students, this would come at the expense of more in-depth classes, such as those teaching students to play instruments.

 

The Modesto Bee

In a reflective piece, April Jackson, a microschool founder and advocate for culturally relevant, student-centered learning, shares insights on the importance of school choice and belonging through the experiences of two students in their microschool in Atlanta. One student with ADHD thrives in an active learning environment, while another feels disconnected due to the author's structured teaching style. Jackson acknowledges the challenge of meeting every child's needs in traditional public schools, saying: "I was expected to reach every child, regardless of fit." This experience led to the realization that true equity in education means recognizing that each child has unique needs and finding the right environment for them. Ultimately, the author emphasizes that being selective in school enrollment is not about exclusion but about aligning educational practices with the needs of students.

 

EdSurge

Japan’s Education Ministry has issued a safety notice to Japanese schools and universities involved in education exchanges with China, amid rising tensions following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency. In fiscal 2023, 3,133 Japanese students were on short-term programmes in China, with 7,078 on long-term courses in 2022. Education minister Yohei Matsumoto announced the move after a Cabinet meeting.

 

The Japan News