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California
8th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California updates AI guidance for schools, emphasizing safety, privacy and equity

The California Department of Education has released updated advisory guidance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in TK–12 public schools, refining its 2023 recommendations to reflect the growing presence of AI in teaching, assessment, and administration. The new guidance highlights the importance of data privacy, academic integrity, human oversight, and equitable access, while discouraging blanket AI bans. It also urges schools to scrutinize vendor data practices and involve students in shaping ethical use policies to better prepare them for an AI-driven future. 

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration issues revamped nutrition advice

The Trump administration has released the 2025-2030 U.S. dietary guidelines, urging Americans to consume more whole foods and protein while reducing highly processed foods and added sugars. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said: "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories and suggest whole-food sources. They also call for increased protein intake, advising 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines will impact federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30m children daily. The School Nutrition Association has reiterated its call for Congress to increase funding for school meal programs. “School nutrition programs are where the vision of the DGAs becomes reality for the 30m children eating school meals each day,” Stephanie Dillard, the association’s president, said in a statement. “Congress has a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of America by investing resources to help schools expand scratch cooking, serve more fresh, local foods and further positive momentum in cafeterias.”

STATE NEWS

California's education crisis deepens

California is facing significant challenges in supporting student achievement and well-being, as highlighted in the 2026 California Children’s Report Card by Children Now. The report indicates that the state is falling short in areas such as health and education, with Kelly Hardy, senior managing director at Children Now, stating, “Students are not able to get in to see a guidance counselor.” California's staff-to-student ratios are among the worst in the nation, with nearly 22 students per teacher. The report also reveals alarming health issues, including that 81% of students were not screened for vision problems, impacting their ability to learn. With 94% of youths reporting mental health concerns, the report scored California a C- in mental health support and a D+ in preventing substance abuse. Hardy emphasized the need for better resource allocation and accountability in funding to address these critical issues for children.

DISTRICTS

Murrieta parents to be informed on gender identity

The Murrieta Valley USD board has decided to mandate that parents be informed if their child shows any signs of being transgender. This decision comes amid a federal order blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which raised concerns about a lower court's ruling that would allow California educators to disclose a student's gender identity without consent. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez stated that California laws violate parents' rights to be informed when a student expresses a non-conforming gender identity. Christine Parker, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California, noted that the ruling could harm LGBTQ+ students, particularly transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. Paul Jonna, special counsel for the Thomas More Society, expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for a favorable outcome in the Supreme Court. “Teachers have a constitutional right to communicate honestly with parents,” Jonna said.

Resilience shines at Sierra Madre assembly

At Sierra Madre Elementary School, students gathered for a special assembly featuring Carrie Barnes, author of "Home: A Story of Resilience." The book, inspired by Barnes' own experience of losing her home in the 2017 Tubbs fire, resonated with many students, as over half raised their hands when asked if they had lost their homes in the fire. "It just brings my family such happiness to […] let you know that it does get better over time," Barnes said. The event aimed to help students process their emotions and foster healing. Pasadena USD Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco emphasized the need for resources for families affected by fires, noting that 10,000 of PUSD's 13,000 students live in burn zones. Following the reading, students engaged with Barnes and participated in uplifting chants, marking a significant moment of hope and resilience. "It was definitely one of the best moments of my life," Barnes reflected.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

El Capitan High School's new stadium opens

El Capitan High School in Merced unveiled its new $10.1m stadium, which can accommodate over 3,000 fans, during a ceremony on Tuesday. "Today is a historic day for El Capitan High School," said head football coach Xavier Ramirez. He emphasized the significance of the stadium, stating: "This is more than a stadium. This is where memories will be made, this is where battles will be fought and this is where legacies will be built." The stadium will serve as the home for various sports and graduation ceremonies. Since its opening in 2013, the football team has played most of its games at Merced College. With this new facility, all six schools in the Merced Union High School District now have their own stadiums.

WORKFORCE

School resource officer programs vanish

The recent decision to drop school resource officer programs in Sonoma County marks the third such instance in five years. Petaluma City Schools lost its program in 2020 due to funding issues, while Santa Rosa City Schools attempted to revive its program in 2023 but faced financial constraints. Mattos acknowledged the importance of the role, stating it is about “being a positive role model. They're somebody people can go to.” Debbie Lamaison, a vital connection for the district, was recognized as a “Sonoma County Public Safety Hero” for her compassionate approach to policing. Despite the absence of a school resource officer, Mattos emphasized the commitment to student safety, saying, “We’ll still be out and about and around the schools.”

INTERNATIONAL

French teachers oppose high school smartphone ban

French teaching unions have pushed back against a government proposal to ban smartphones in lycées (high schools) from 2026, extending restrictions already in place for younger pupils. Critics argue the ban would disrupt digital systems used for essential services like library access and cafeteria payments, and fail to address broader societal issues. Unions have labeled the move a “publicity stunt,” questioning enforcement feasibility, resources, and its impact on older students. The bill, which also seeks to ban social media for under-15s, will be debated in Parliament later this year. 

Sleep-deprived students: a growing concern

According to the "2024 Basic Analysis Report on the Human Rights Status of Korean Children and Youth" by the Korea Youth Policy Institute, nearly half of South Korea's general high school students are not getting enough sleep. The report, which surveyed 2,258 students, found that 46.7% sleep less than six hours a night, with the average sleep reported at just 6.0 hours. The leading cause of sleep deprivation is academic pressure, with 25.5% attributing it to home learning and 19.3% to private tutoring. The report also highlights concerning mental health issues, revealing that 30.5% of students have experienced suicidal thoughts, primarily due to academic stress. "Grades and academic pressure" were cited by 46.4% of these students as the main reason for their distress. Furthermore, 38.7% of students have considered dropping out, indicating a significant link between academic stress and overall well-being.
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