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California
22nd January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Trump administration drops DEI appeal

The Trump administration has decided to withdraw its appeal against a federal court ruling that blocked its campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools and colleges. On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Education (ED) filed to dismiss its appeal, upholding a decision made by U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland, who stated that the anti-DEI guidance violated the First Amendment and federal procedural rules. The guidance had warned educational institutions that they would lose federal funding if they continued DEI practices. The case had been brought by the American Federation of Teachers, the American Sociological Association and a school district in Eugene, Oregon. 

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NATIONAL NEWS

Texas, Louisiana defend school displays of Ten Commandments in court

A federal appeals court is reconsidering Louisiana and Texas laws mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, which had previously been blocked by federal district judges due to potential violations of the First Amendment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit heard arguments on January 20, with Texas Solicitor General William R. Peterson asserting that the law represents a "historical document" integral to American heritage. However, Jonathan K. Youngwood, representing families challenging the laws, argued that these displays impose religious dictates on students, commenting: "From kindergarten to senior year, a student in public school will face an unavoidable constant: government-mandated religious dictates in every single classroom." The outcome of this case may set a precedent, with many legal observers anticipating a potential appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

DISTRICTS

Palo Alto High's calculus controversy

An opinion piece by Dave Price, editor of the Daily Post, criticizes Palo Alto USD for putting ideology and self-interest ahead of academic standards and transparency. Price argues that teachers at Palo Alto High School wrongly blocked a multivariable calculus course despite student demand, a qualified teacher and a school board directive, citing "wellness" concerns that are not shared by neighboring districts. He also attacks the district’s handling of a proposed parcel tax renewal, accusing the board of refusing open discussion, using public funds for one-sided messaging and quietly gathering voter data. The column calls for firmer governance, academic focus and honest public debate.

LEGAL

Lawsuit challenges LA school segregation policy

A conservative group, the 1776 Project Foundation, has filed a federal lawsuit against Los Angeles USD, claiming its policy aimed at addressing segregation discriminates against white students. The policy, which has roots in 1970 and 1976 court orders, provides benefits to schools with predominantly Hispanic, Black, Asian, or other non-white students. The lawsuit argues that this policy violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, seeking a permanent injunction against race preferences in school operations. The district stated: "Los Angeles Unified remains firmly committed to ensuring all students have meaningful access to services and enriching educational opportunities." The lawsuit highlights that over 600 schools in the district fall under this designation, while fewer than 100 do not.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Enochs High School briefly locked down

Enochs High School was placed on lockdown for about nine minutes on Tuesday after reports of a man with a firearm near the campus. The Modesto Police Department responded to the situation, and school officials were instructed to secure the campus. Officers found the individual carrying a toy gun, and he was taken into custody on a mental health hold but not arrested. "All students and staff are safe, and there is no current threat to the campus," said Modesto City Schools in a message to families. Following the incident, school operations resumed as normal for the day.

STUDENTS

How to help students develop self-regulation skills

Recent observations gleaned by an Education Week poll on LinkedIn indicate a significant decline in students' self-regulation skills, with many educators describing them as "almost nonexistent." This issue is not limited to younger children; teachers report similar challenges among older elementary, middle, and high school students. Poor self-regulation can disrupt learning and contribute to teacher burnout. The survey revealed that 67% of educators rated students' self-regulation skills as low. To address this, educators suggest practical strategies, including using visual aids, providing explicit social-emotional instruction, and modeling self-regulation techniques. Schools are encouraged to implement these strategies to help students manage their emotions and behaviors more effectively.

LEADERSHIP

Guiding interns on the foundations of leadership

Nicole Paxton, principal of Mount Vista Community School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive training for aspiring school leaders. Reflecting on her own experience, she stated: "I wish I would've learned more about budgeting, how to build relationships with students, or give teachers feedback." Paxton now mentors principal interns, guiding them through traditional duties and emerging responsibilities, while also allowing them to shadow her daily activities. With the increasing demands on principals, including managing student behavior and chronic absenteeism, practical internships are essential. According to the Education Commission of the States, at least 39 states require principal preparation programs to include a practical component. Paxton and other mentors aim to provide real-life experiences, ensuring that interns are well-prepared for the challenges of school leadership.

Joe Koski announces candidacy for superintendent

Joe Koski, the assistant superintendent of educational support services at the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, has announced his candidacy for SLO County superintendent of schools. He aims to continue the vision of former superintendent Jim Brescia, who will not seek reelection. Koski noted: "My experience as a teacher, principal, human resources director... provides me with the qualifications to pursue the office." With 38 years in education, he plans to empower parents, improve student outcomes, and support vulnerable populations. Koski emphasized the importance of clear communication and fiscal sustainability in his leadership approach, hoping to earn the support of the community.

INTERNATIONAL

Underfunded schools force Pakistan's parents to pay for children’s education

Families in Pakistan are increasingly forced to spend their own money on their children’s schooling as government funding and support for education fall short. Chronic underinvestment in public education—Pakistan spends far below recommended levels of GDP on schooling—has led to deteriorating infrastructure, shortages of qualified teachers and high dropout rates, with more than 25 million children out of school and many families turning to private or informal schools due to poor quality in the public system. As government resources fail to meet demand, parents are shoulderin the financial burden to secure better education opportunities, widening inequalities in access and quality.

AND FINALLY......

New initiative aims to combat book bans in schools

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) has launched the Unbanned Book Network to address the increasing number of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries. The initiative aims to donate books by banned authors and appoint Author Ambassadors to support school districts facing censorship. WNDB chief executive Dhonielle Clayton stated: "We're not only facing an ongoing literacy crisis in the U.S., we're also battling increased rates of censorship, which is infringing on our students' right to read." The program will initially target twenty under-resourced schools in states like Texas and Florida, where bans are most prevalent. This effort is part of a broader response to the surge in book bans, which has been documented by organizations such as PEN America and the American Library Association.
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