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This year has posed significant challenges for families in California, particularly for Rosalba Ortega, a farmworker from Bakersfield, who struggles to provide for her two granddaughters. With rising rent and food prices, Ortega noted: "There’s not much food for them." A recent survey by the Public Policy Institute of California revealed that three in 10 Californians, including half of lower-income residents, have reduced meals to save money. Experts emphasize that hunger and economic distress can adversely affect students' academic performance and their decisions regarding college attendance. Natalie Wheatfall-Lum, director of TK-12 policy for EdTrust-West, stated: "What’s happening out of school can have a huge impact on their ability to learn while they’re in school." Research indicates that children struggle to focus when SNAP benefits are depleted, leading families to resort to unhealthy food options.

 

EdSource

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The Secure Rural Schools Act, which provides essential funding for school districts surrounded by untaxed federal land, expired in fall 2023. However, on Tuesday, the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly,  399 to 5, to extend the program through 2027 and provide retroactive payments to affected districts. Jaime Green, the superintendent of Trinity Alps USD, emphasized the importance of the program, commenting: "If the Secure Rural Schools Act was extended, financially we will be alright for years to come." The program, originally enacted as a temporary measure, has faced funding lapses due to congressional disagreements. The recent extension aims to stabilize funding for rural schools, which have been significantly impacted by the decline of the logging industry and the federal government's ownership of land.

 

Los Angeles Times

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has expressed strong opposition to the Senate Banking Committee's proposed crypto market structure bill, the Responsible Financial Innovation Act. AFT President Randi Weingarten stated: "If passed, it will undercut the safety of many assets and cause problems across retirement investments." The AFT argues that the legislation poses "profound risks to the pensions of working families and the overall stability of the economy." Concerns include the potential for widespread fraud and the erosion of protections for traditional securities. Weingarten emphasized that the bill could lead to unsafe assets in pension and 401(k) plans, warning that it may lay the groundwork for the next financial crisis. The AFT's stance reflects broader apprehensions among labor unions and state officials regarding the implications of the bill on financial oversight and consumer protection.

 

CNBC

The United Teachers of Richmond, representing over 1,400 education professionals, is currently on strike, demanding better pay, health care benefits, and improved student-to-staff ratios. The district has made a new offer, including a 7% raise over two years and increased health care contributions. However, key issues, particularly around special education staffing, remain unresolved. Superintendent Cheryl Cotton emphasized the need for thorough cost evaluations before further negotiations. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond has offered assistance, urging for a resolution, saying: "Everybody wants the same thing. Let's get this done." The strike has garnered significant community support, with local officials and parents advocating for the teachers' cause.

 

Mercury News

The Alameda Unified School District is inviting nominations for its Teacher of the Year program until January 6. After nominations, eligible teachers will submit an application packet, which will be reviewed by the AUSD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. This committee, comprising former awardees, a board member, a principal, and representatives from the Alameda Education Association and PTA Council, will conduct classroom observations to select the winner.

 

East Bay

Edgar Rosales Jr., a second-year student at Long Beach City College, found solace in the Safe Parking Program after experiencing homelessness. For over a year, he slept in his car, referring to fellow participants as his "roommates." Despite the program's limitations, such as inadequate facilities and the struggle for privacy, Rosales said it allowed him to "breathe, relax, continue on." The program, supported by the LBCC Foundation, provides essential resources for students facing housing insecurity. Rosales recently received housing through a rapid rehousing initiative, expressing relief and hope for his future: "I'm moving ahead." The article highlights the growing issue of student homelessness and the need for comprehensive support systems in educational institutions.

 

Merced Sun Star

Pajaro Valley USD is currently navigating significant challenges that could impact its educational framework. The district is facing difficult decisions regarding resource allocation and program sustainability. "We are at a critical juncture," said a district representative, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

The structure of elementary reading blocks varies significantly across schools, despite over 40 states mandating evidence-based approaches to early reading instruction. While foundational skills like phonics are emphasized, the allocation of time and the sequencing of activities remain contentious. Anjanette McNeely, a kindergarten teacher at Windridge Elementary in Kaysville, Utah, integrates various components of literacy instruction, arguing: "I think we can have both" structured teaching and free play. Similarly, Jeannette Symmonds, a first-grade teacher at BelovED Community Charter in Jersey City, New Jersey, adapts her schedule based on student needs, emphasizing flexibility in instruction. Research suggests that while a reading block of 90 minutes is common, experts recommend extending this to two to three hours to better support diverse student needs.

 

Education Week News

The U.S. Education Department has agreed to end former President Joe Biden’s SAVE student loan repayment plan as part of a proposed settlement with Republican-led states who argued it was too generous. SAVE, which offered low or $0 payments and early loan forgiveness for low-income borrowers, will stop accepting new applications, and 7m current enrollees will be shifted to other plans. Borrowers must soon choose between fixed or income-driven options, ahead of the rollout of new Republican-backed repayment plans in 2026. The change comes as 12m borrowers are already behind on payments, raising concerns about a potential default wave.

 

NPR

New research by DCU’s Create centre has found that 86% of primary and post-primary teachers in Ireland are experiencing moderate to high levels of personal and work-related burnout. The 2025 Teacher Occupational Wellbeing Research report, which surveyed over 1,000 educators, identified workload as the primary contributor, alongside unrealistic parental expectations, complex work structures, and challenges in supporting students with special educational needs. In response, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) has called on Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton to establish an independent review of teacher workload, mirroring a recent initiative in Northern Ireland. INTO General Secretary John Boyle warned that “intolerable and unmanageable demands” are fuelling burnout, contributing to teacher shortages and vacancies.

 

RTÉ

Rod Paige, the first Black and first educator to serve as U.S. Secretary of Education, has died at 92. Appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001, Paige championed the No Child Left Behind Act, a landmark education reform focused on standardized testing and accountability to close achievement gaps. Though initially celebrated, the law later faced mounting criticism for its rigid mandates and inadequate support for underperforming schools. Paige’s tenure was marred by controversies, including inflammatory comments about teachers’ unions and a public relations scandal. A former Houston schools superintendent, Paige remained active in education after leaving office, co-authoring books and briefly leading Jackson State University.

 

New York Times

The Texas Tribune