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Sal Rodriguez writes that California's education system is facing significant challenges, as highlighted in a recent report from the University of California, San Diego. The report reveals that between 2020 and 2025, the number of incoming freshmen with math skills below high school level increased nearly thirtyfold, with 70% of these students falling below middle school levels. Only 48.82% of California students meet state standards in English Language Arts, and just 37.3% in mathematics. The report also notes that 18% of incoming students do not meet the university's writing requirements. According to Rodriguez: "The stagnant, union-dominated, accountability-proof nature of the state's K-12 system is a major impediment to reform and progress. Instead of ever solving the underlying problems, the default move is to paper over failure by lowering standards."

 

The Orange Country Register

The U.S. Department of Justice made significant changes to its approach to student civil rights under the Trump administration. Notably, the department has shifted focus away from issues like restraint and seclusion, which disproportionately affect students with disabilities. Leslie Seid Margolis, a lawyer with Disability Rights Maryland, emphasized the importance of federal oversight, claiming: "I can't really overstate the impact that Justice can have." Despite a successful ban on seclusion in Maryland, concerns are rife about the DOJ's reduced capacity to handle civil rights cases, as many staffers have resigned. The article also notes ongoing investigations into various civil rights issues, including racial harassment and discrimination, but raises alarms about the potential long-term implications of the current administration's policies on student protections.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Joel Knudson, principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research, writes that course grades are a significant aspect of student success in U.S. schools, but traditional grading methods face scrutiny for their fairness and validity. Research indicates that subjectivity in grading can lead to discrepancies in measuring student learning, prompting calls for reform. Many districts are exploring changes to grading practices, yet these efforts often encounter resistance from teachers and families. Knudson suggests that to foster effective change, districts should engage all stakeholders, including students and families, in the problem-solving process.

 

EdSource

The Trump administration's new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa sponsorship is causing significant concern among California educators, particularly in special education and bilingual programs. Many international teachers feel unwelcome and are considering returning home as their visas expire. The fee, which is in addition to existing application costs, poses a financial burden on school districts already struggling with teacher shortages. Sylvia Greenwood, assistant superintendent for West Contra Costa USD, commented: "With our shortages in special ed, they were a good fit for our district." The situation has prompted a coalition of states to sue the Trump administration, arguing that the fee threatens not only education but also healthcare services. As districts grapple with budget deficits, the future of international educators in California remains uncertain.

 

Los Angeles Times

Over 100 members of the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB), along with parents, students, and community members, rallied on December 10, 2025, to oppose potential layoffs as the Long Beach USD faces a budget deficit. Davy Yap, a teacher, highlighted the importance of stability for students, asserting that layoffs would harm learning environments. TALB Vice President Peder Larsen warned that layoffs would reduce services and negatively impact the community. The district is exploring budget stabilization strategies, including school closures, to address financial challenges. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed support for the union, emphasizing community unity in the face of adversity.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

The Pajaro Valley USD Board of Trustees approved nearly 160 staff layoffs during a contentious meeting. The cuts included 13 mental health clinicians, 25 behavior technicians, and 50 instructional assistants among classified employees, and 15 counselors and 51.5 teaching positions among certificated employees. The board's decision faced significant backlash. Brandon Diniz, president of the Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, called the action “appalling,” emphasizing that “clearing the room should be a last step.” The cuts were attributed to decreased funding from declining enrollment, with many positions initially funded by one-time pandemic funds. Diniz plans to consult with the California Federation of Teachers to explore potential violations of the Brown Act regarding the vote.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

St. Hope Public Schools is grappling with a significant teacher turnover issue, with only 16 of the 54 teachers hired in November 2024 remaining a year later. Despite the school's claim of an 85% retention rate, this figure excludes many who left during the year or were ineligible to return. Amanda Goldman, a district charter oversight administrator, described the current retention and credential rates as “objectively low” and “concerning.” Teachers have reported poor working conditions, lack of support, and inadequate resources, leading to a chaotic environment. Jen Budmark, a former teacher, described her experience as “like war,” citing unmanageable classrooms and a lack of rule enforcement.

 

The Sacramento Bee

Gallup-McKinley County Schools (GMCS) is addressing recent public discussions about state education funding and clarifying misconceptions regarding its funding allocation. GMCS refuted claims made during a New Mexico legislative meeting that it terminated online education services in May 2025, stating that the contract with Stride/K12 was ended due to allegations of misconduct. Deputy Superintendent Jvanna Hanks emphasized: "GMCS is committed to responsible stewardship of public resources, transparency, and keeping students at the center of every decision." GMCS has transitioned to a new online education provider for the 2025–2026 school year and is currently litigating against Stride/K12 for misuse of public funds. The district asserts that funding received is based on prior-year enrollment and that claims of a funding shortfall are unfounded.

 

Chino Champion

Lodi-News Sentinel

San Luis Coastal USD is proposing $5m in budget cuts, including a significant $100,000 reduction in funding for music programs. Maeve Holden, a district parent, emphasized that the original $150,000 cut represented the entire music budget, which supports programs across elementary, middle, and high schools. Ryan Pinkerton, the district assistant superintendent of business services, confirmed that the cut would impact essential music operations, remarking: "It is meaningful to those programs and would mean potentially changing some of the things that they have been able to do." The SLO Instrumental Music Boosters Association has voiced opposition, arguing that "music education is not extra, it's essential." The school board is set to discuss these cuts at an upcoming meeting, coinciding with a band concert, limiting attendance from affected students and teachers.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

Tamalpais Union High School District is facing a $2.2m budget cut from its $128.8m general fund for the 2026-27 school year to maintain a positive financial status. Corbett Elsen, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, stressed the need to keep a minimum reserve of 17% of annual expenditures. "This means we truly have a structural deficit," Elsen said, highlighting rising costs and declining property tax growth as contributing factors. The district's budget is projected to run a $937,000 deficit in 2025-26, growing to $2.3m in 2026-27. Proposed solutions include consolidating two alternative high schools, Tamiscal and San Andreas, into one. Chris French, a math teacher, urged the board to delay decisions until more information is available on the impact of these changes on vulnerable students.

 

Merced Sun Star

A new report from the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) has found that millions of children are still missing out on afterschool meals and snacks, with participation in federal Afterschool Nutrition Programs falling short of pre-pandemic levels. In October 2024, 1.26m children received afterschool suppers and 1.24m received snacks, well below the reach needed. Only one in 16 children who received free or reduced-price school lunch accessed an afterschool supper, and only California and Washington, D.C. met FRAC's goal of serving 15 out of every 100. FRAC estimates that 1.8m more children could have been served and $163.5m in federal funds accessed if all states had met the benchmark. The report calls for expanded eligibility, streamlined administration, and increased funding to close the nutrition gap.

 

YubaNet

Cindy Watter, a former English teacher and current member of the Napa Valley USD School Board, initiated the demolition of 11 portable classrooms at Napa High School, stating: “That strip of portables was 23 years overdue for a teardown.” This marks the beginning of “Phase II” of the campus modernization project funded by Measure B, a $230m bond approved by voters in November 2024. The demolition is expected to be completed before winter break, paving the way for extensive renovations at Napa High and other schools, including roof repairs and HVAC system replacements. The district has allocated $106m for exterior work and $46m for interior upgrades.

 

Press Democrat

California's transitional kindergarten (TK) program has led to the closure of 167 community-based preschools in Los Angeles County, according to research from U.C. Berkeley. The study highlights that while TK enrollment has increased from 26,500 to 39,500 children, this growth has not compensated for the loss of 12,000 child-care slots for younger children. Bruce Fuller, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus, said: "TK seemed like a sparkling idea with very few negatives," but the downsides were not adequately considered. The program's expansion has inadvertently created competition with local preschools, which struggle to adapt to the needs of younger children. Many preschools face challenges in transitioning to infant and toddler care due to regulatory hurdles and staffing issues. "It's a classic public policy case where the policy designers in government have a simple idea about implementation, but in fact, it unfolds in a much messier way," Fuller concludes. 

 

The Sacramento Bee

A gunman opened fire during a final exam review session at Brown University on Saturday, killing two people and injuring nine others before fleeing the campus. The incident took place in the Barus and Holley building in Providence, Rhode Island, prompting a full lockdown and massive police response. Students sheltered for hours in classrooms and dorms. Although a person of interest was detained, they were later released due to lack of evidence, and no suspects or motives have been confirmed. With the attacker still unidentified, officials cited poor campus surveillance as a challenge in the investigation. Brown has cancelled all remaining classes and exams for the semester, and the FBI is assisting local authorities in the ongoing search.

 

CNN

USA Today

New York Times

Politico

A new Think HQ poll shows that 59% of Albertans would vote to end provincial funding for private schools, with support rising to 69% among decided voters. The issue mirrors a citizen-led petition, launched by Calgary teacher Alicia Taylor, seeking a referendum on the matter, which has so far gathered over 38,700 signatures. Alberta’s 2025–26 education budget includes C$295m ($214.1m) in funding for over 230 private schools, out of a total C$9.9bn K-12 education budget. In response to the poll, Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides reiterated the government’s stance that parents should have the freedom to choose the educational path that best suits their children. Support for defunding private schools was strongest in Edmonton, at 66%, while northern Alberta showed a more divided opinion.

 

CBC News