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California
14th May 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Reading crisis deepens for students

The U.S. is facing a significant reading crisis, with a new study revealing minimal progress in reading skills among students across most states. Researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth analyzed test scores from over 5,000 school districts and found that only five states, plus the District of Columbia, showed meaningful growth in reading from 2022 to 2025. "The pandemic was the mudslide that had followed seven years of steady erosion in achievement," said Thomas Kane, a Harvard professor involved in the study. However, California's Los Angeles Unified, Compton, and Modesto districts have emerged as bright spots, implementing phonics-based instruction and targeted support for struggling readers. Despite these successes, many students remain behind pre-pandemic levels, with California students about a third of a year behind in reading. The study highlights the need for effective teaching methods to address the ongoing reading recession.

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Prepare Your Students for Their Future, Today

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 provides school leaders with the tools needed to elevate CTE, from student interest surveys to employment landscape checklists.

In the guide, you’ll have access to:
  • An overview of nationally recognized Career Clusters and Programs of Study
  • Tips for selecting the best career pathways that evolve with the employment landscape
  • Sample survey questions to gauge students’ interests in future career opportunities
  • And more!
Download The Free Guide

 

STATE NEWS

Finding the right mix in science education

In California, only 34% of students met or exceeded standards on the 2024-25 statewide science test, highlighting significant disparities among various demographics. Veteran educator Bill Conrad discusses the tension between project-based learning and direct instruction in science education. He says that while project-based learning fosters engagement and collaboration, it can be resource-intensive and requires expert teacher preparation. Conversely, Conrad adds that direct instruction is efficient and ensures mastery but may limit student autonomy. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aim to integrate both approaches, yet implementation remains uneven, particularly in low-income districts. Conrad emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, suggesting that teachers start with direct instruction to build foundational knowledge before transitioning to inquiry-based projects. "Direct instruction gives students a map; project-based science offers the journey," he states, advocating for a synergistic relationship between the two methods to enhance student learning.

Money can't buy academic success

California's public schools have seen significant increases in funding, yet academic achievement remains stagnant. Despite a $10,000 per pupil increase during Governor Gavin Newsom's tenure, many students still struggle with basic skills. Dan Walters, a CalMatters columnist, emphasized: "We shouldn't kid ourselves … that spending more will automatically increase achievement." The Education Law Center's recent report shows California's spending at $19,894 per pupil, ranking 13th nationally. However, comparisons with states like New York and Idaho reveal that higher spending does not guarantee better outcomes. As enrollment declines and local districts face financial challenges, the question remains: Is money the key to improving education?

California veterans could see tax relief

California's Assembly Bill 2022 aims to expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, offering 50% relief or full exemptions for those earning under $40,000 annually. While the bill has garnered support from veteran groups and Realtors, concerns arise regarding its impact on school funding and potential legal challenges related to Proposition 13. The legislation would sunset in 2032 for review. Currently, California has two property tax exemptions for fully disabled veterans, but experts like Patrick Murphy question the bill's effectiveness in addressing veteran homelessness. The bill is backed by organizations such as the American Legion and the California Assn. of Realtors.

NATIONAL NEWS

AAP's fresh take on school recess

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released updated guidance to enhance recess access in schools, addressing the alarming trend of reduced playtime. Dr. Robert Murray, a lead author, emphasized the importance of recess, stating: “Breaks offer an opportunity for students to manage stress and promote prosocial development, a universal benefit for all ages.” With up to 40% of school districts cutting recess, the AAP recommends at least 20 minutes of daily play and encourages student involvement in planning recess activities. The guidance also advocates for a ‘Recess Before Lunch’ policy to ensure students have adequate time to eat. Furthermore, the report highlights recess as a tool to combat childhood obesity, which affects about 1 in 5 children in the U.S. Notably, a 2024 California law mandates 30 minutes of outdoor recess daily and prohibits withholding recess as punishment, although implementation remains inconsistent.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

After-school sports help to fuel young minds

Participation in after-school sports significantly benefits children's cognitive, mental, and physical health, according to a study published in the journal Exercise, Sports and Movement. Senior researcher Nicole Logan, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Rhode Island, stated: "We show that children and teens who participated in after-school sports consistently demonstrated better psychological and physical health outcomes than those who didn't." The study analyzed data from 782 children and teenagers in the New York City area, revealing that those involved in sports exhibited improved planning, organization, language comprehension, academic performance, and physical health metrics. Logan emphasized the importance of equitable access to sports, noting that "even after controlling for socio-demographic determinants of physical activity, we still observed widespread benefits." The American College of Sports Medicine recognized this study as a 2025 Paper of the Year for its scientific rigor and societal relevance.

GOVERNANCE

Candidates clash for Merced County superintendent

At a recent forum, three candidates for the Merced County Superintendent of Schools position highlighted their extensive experience in education. Ana Boyenga, Richard Lopez, and Paula Heupel are competing for the role, which will be on the June 2 primary election ballot due to incumbent Steve Tietjen not seeking re-election. Boyenga emphasized her background as a first-generation immigrant and her experience in a large school district, stating: "I am from a large district with nearly 5,000 students." Heupel, who has held various educational roles, mentioned her collaborative approach, saying, "It’s never ‘me’ – it’s ‘we’ – and that creates sustainability." Lopez focused on the need for visibility and support for rural districts, asserting: "I’m going to be that person that’s going to be there." The candidates also discussed addressing budget concerns and special education needs, aiming to enhance the educational landscape in Merced County.

DISTRICTS

Revamping music education for kids

The Santa Monica-Malibu USD is reviewing its elementary music program to enhance access and improve instructional sequencing. The draft proposal aims to expand music education for students in Transitional Kindergarten through second grade while maintaining existing programs for older students. Dr. Jim Wang, the district's visual and performing arts coordinator, said: "As we continue this work, I want to be clear that we do not yet have a final plan." The proposal emphasizes early, foundational instruction from credentialed teachers and aims to increase student confidence and long-term participation in music. Angela Woo, director of instrumental music at John Adams Middle School, noted the commitment of secondary school music teachers to support the program's foundations. Community feedback has been largely supportive, with concerns about program changes being addressed through ongoing discussions.

LEGAL

Palo Alto USD wins lawsuit

A jury has ruled that the Palo Alto USD is not liable in a lawsuit filed by former robotics teacher Kathy Krier. Krier alleged that students vandalized her gay pride flag and car, and that parents opposed her efforts to diversify the team. She claimed discrimination and a hostile work environment, stating she felt compelled to resign. The case dates back to the 2018 school year when she began her role at Palo Alto High School.

SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bipartisan bill aims to improve safety for school bus riders

U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced The Safe Bus Routes to School Act, a piece of legislation that would expand the federal Safe Routes to School program to allow funding for projects supporting school bus riders, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, and safer bus stop waiting areas. The bill would also fund school bus safety education initiatives.

INTERNATIONAL

Africa’s education gains stall as out-of-school numbers climb again

More than 100 million children and adolescents across Africa are currently out of school, according to new research analyzing 25 years of education trends, with experts warning that progress in school participation is now reversing. The study found that the number of out-of-school children fell from more than 100m in 2000 to around 90m in 2014, before climbing back to 100m by 2025, largely because rapid population growth has outpaced education access. Although the percentage of children out of school has declined over time, participation rates remain particularly weak at secondary-school level. Researchers identified several drivers behind the recent deterioration, including reduced government funding for free education programs, declining international aid, and the long-term effects of COVID-19, which pushed an estimated 10m children permanently out of school. Political instability, conflict, climate pressures, poverty, and child labor were also cited as major barriers, especially in the Sahel region, South Sudan, Chad, northern Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

AND FINALLY......

Surf’s up on Verdone era

Andy Verdone, the esteemed surf coach at Huntington Beach High School, announced his retirement after 39 years of guiding the surf team to 12 national championships. Verdone, who has also taught at the school for 42 years, expressed that he will miss the personal relationships he built with students, saying: "That alarm clock going off at 5 a.m. ... never gets easy." He plans to spend more time with his family, including visits to his children's colleges. Verdone's influence extends beyond coaching; he has shaped the lives of many surfers, including Brett Simpson, who described him as “a second father figure." As Verdone steps down, assistant coach Ian Dominelli will take over, aiming to continue the legacy of success established by Verdone.
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