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California Go. Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1263, which mandates the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to form an expert panel aimed at enhancing the Teacher Performance Assessment. The assessment is the final licensure test for teacher candidates in California. Initially, the bill sought to eliminate the requirement for candidates to submit video clips of classroom instruction and other materials. However, following advocacy from education groups, the bill was amended to maintain the assessment while requiring a working group of teachers, college faculty, and assessment experts to review and suggest improvements. The commission must approve these recommendations by July 1, 2025, and implement them within three years, along with providing annual reports to the Legislature.

 

EdSource

A recent law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom mandates public schools to establish cellphone policies, making California the fifth state to do so. This movement is driven by growing concerns among educators regarding the impact of cellphone overuse on students' mental health and focus. Many teachers have express ed frustration over constant interruptions from parents texting during class, creating a dilemma for students caught between obeying their teachers and responding to their parents. Kevin Bushweller, who oversees educational technology coverage for Education Week, highlights that "40% of educators think smartwatches pose a behavioral or disciplinary challenge." The law aims to address these challenges and improve the learning environment in schools.

 

Education Week News

In response to controversial active-shooter drills in California schools, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1858, known as the Safe and Prepared Schools Act. This legislation aims to standardize active-shooter drills and mandates the state's Department of Education to revise its guidance. Newsom stated: “The Safe and Prepared Schools Act will ensure that we are not doing more harm than good in training our students.” The law, effective January 1, requires schools to notify parents about drills in advance, ensure age-appropriate practices, and provide resources for students post-drill. It also prohibits simulated gunfire during these exercises. Everytown for Gun Safety has raised concerns about the psychological impact of such drills, linking them to increased anxiety and stress among students and staff.

 

Los Angeles Times

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 1780, banning legacy and donor preferences in admissions decisions at private, nonprofit colleges, effective September 2025. The law positions California as the fifth U.S. state to prohibit preferential treatment for applicants connected to alumni or donors, following Illinois, Maryland, Colorado, and Virginia. The bill requires institutions to report their compliance annually and includes transparency measures on student diversity. Newsom emphasized fairness and accessibility in education, while critics of legacy preferences see the move as a step toward more equitable college admissions, especially after the Supreme Court’s ruling against race-conscious admissions.

 

Forbes

Gov.ca.gov

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Saturday that prohibits schools from selling snacks containing synthetic food dyes, including Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The legislation, introduced by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, aims to protect children from potential hyperactivity linked to dyes like Red No. 40 and Yellow 5. Set to take effect in 2028, the bill received bipartisan support and endorsements from educators and health professionals. Newsom emphasized the importance of access to nutritious food, saying: “Our health is inextricably tied to the food we eat.” Gabriel praised the law as a significant step in safeguarding children's health and encouraging manufacturers to eliminate harmful additives.

 

The Fresno Bee

Mercury News

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The 2024 presidential election is poised to significantly impact school discipline policies, with stark contrasts between candidates. The GOP platform, backed by Donald Trump, advocates for immediate suspension of violent students and stricter discipline standards. In contrast, the Democratic platform, endorsed by Kamala Harris, emphasizes preventing disproportionate discipline against students of color and those with disabilities. Recent surveys indicate a rise in student misbehavior post-COVID-19, with 70% of educators noting increased issues. Richard O. Welsh, an education policy professor, stated: “We have evidence on what the problem is,” highlighting the ongoing debate over the federal government's role in addressing these disparities. As the election approaches, the candidates' differing views on discipline could shape the future of educational environments across the nation.

 

Education Week News

Students with disabilities could receive better support if school administrators had more time to focus on their needs. Embracing artificial intelligence (AI) can alleviate the administrative burdens that keep principals from engaging with teachers and students. The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) has highlighted the need for streamlined accountability to allow leaders to spend more time in classrooms. AI tools like SchoolAI and TeachAI can automate routine tasks, enabling principals to dedicate more time to fostering inclusive learning environments. While concerns about data privacy and job displacement exist, AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. By leveraging AI, schools can empower leaders to create supportive and effective learning environments for all students.

 

EdSource

At the recent Association of School Business Officials International annual conference held from September 18-20, school district finance officials discussed innovative ways to leverage generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for their administrative roles. Sessions highlighted the use of AI in grant writing, budget narratives, and improving communication strategies. Bill Sutter, CFO of Boulder Valley School District, emphasized the importance of using enterprise-level AI services to ensure data privacy and security, cautioning against free tools like ChatGPT due to potential privacy risks. Howard Barber, assistant superintendent from Massachusetts, demonstrated how AI can enhance grant applications by generating creative responses and streamlining research processes. Other speakers discussed best practices for crafting effective AI prompts and the need for careful review to avoid misinformation. Mary Ellen Normen of Lincoln Public Schools noted that AI can help prepare administrators for community budget discussions and provide critical feedback on budget memos. Overall, the conference underscored the growing role of AI in K-12 education administration while highlighting the need for ethical considerations in its use.

 

K-12 Dive

October can be a challenging month for educators, as the initial excitement of the school year fades and workloads increase. Ellen Moir, founder of the New Teacher Center, describes this period as the “disillusionment phase” for new teachers, with veteran educators also feeling the strain. Roxanna Elden, an author and former teacher, highlighted the exhaustion many face, stating: “It's a very, very long stretch while you're tired.” To combat the October blues, teachers are encouraged to engage students with creative lessons and build relationships. Strategies include using a “Feelings Wall” for emotional expression and prioritizing mental health through breaks and celebrations.

 

Education Week News

This November, Clovis USD will hold elections for four open school board seats. Dr. Steven Fogg, the longest-serving member, is running unopposed for a third term, emphasizing the need for stability and unity on the board. Fogg, who has been a board member since 2016, believes that a unified board is essential for student achievement. He expressed concern over the district's shift to a trustee-region voting system, commenting: “Having individual elected areas does not help student achievement.” Fogg also highlighted the challenges of rapid growth in the district, stating that they are struggling to keep up with the demand for new schools due to inflation. He remains committed to ensuring that the values of Clovis USD align with the community's expectations, despite state mandates that may conflict with local values. Fogg aims to foster direct communication with teachers to address their needs without the need for unionization.

 

The Fresno Bee

Ashley Zartner has been appointed as an assistant principal at Santa Monica-Malibu USD, where she will split her time between Edison Language Academy and McKinley Elementary School. With over 10 years of experience, Zartner specializes in instructional leadership and literacy development. SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton praised her commitment to educational equity, stating: “Her ability to lead with data-driven strategies... aligns perfectly with the goals of Edison and McKinley.” Additionally, Alix Pickett has been appointed as the new assistant principal at Franklin Elementary School, bringing her experience from the UCLA Center X Math Project. Shelton noted her dedication to creating positive, student-centered spaces.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

In the upcoming November 5 election, Thomas Tyson, the incumbent trustee of Shoreline USD, faces challenger Buddy Faure. Tyson, a lawyer and lifelong resident of the area, emphasized his commitment to improving education, stating: "I have a deep connection to this district and continue to believe I have a unique skillset and the drive to help improve the lives and education of our students." He identifies affordable after-school care as a pressing issue and has made strides in providing free care on Wednesdays. Faure, a musician and former student at the Marin School of the Arts, previously ran for a board seat in 2022, advocating for music education and nature-based programs. The district serves around 500 students with an annual budget of approximately $19m.

 

Merced Sun Star

San Luis Obispo County residents are set to receive ballots for the upcoming school board elections, with five candidates vying for three seats on the Atascadero USD board. Incumbents Matt Pennon and Corinne Kuhnle are among the candidates, alongside Joey Arnold, Veronica “Roni” DeCoster, and Jodi Taylor. Each candidate shared their vision and priorities, with DeCoster emphasizing the need to address students' mental health and social skills post-COVID. The Tribune has compiled a 2024 Election Voter Guide to assist voters in making informed decisions.

 

San Luis Obispo Tribune

A 15-year-old student at Waterford High was detained for allegedly posting a threat on Snapchat, warning peers not to attend school. Detective Alexander Ruezga stated the post indicated students should “hide during third period.” The incident marks the eighth juvenile detention this month related to school violence threats, following a nationwide trend after a school shooting in Georgia on September 4. Lt. Dave Mullins emphasized the importance of a no-tolerance policy towards such threats, while Wendell Emerson from the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office noted: “There is no such thing as anonymity online.” Waterford USD highlighted the need for awareness, referencing a PSA video created earlier in the year about the consequences of making threats. Spokesperson Amanda Wilson praised students for reporting the threat, reinforcing the “See Something, Say Something” principle.

 

The Modesto Bee