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California's Assembly Bill 715, signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to combat antisemitism in schools by restricting certain teachings. Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan shared her personal connection to the issue, stating: "My children deserve to show up at school and not have to face hate crimes." The law has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing it may infringe on academic freedom and silence pro-Palestinian voices. The final version of the bill, which underwent multiple revisions, no longer references the Israel-Hamas conflict and emphasizes "factually accurate" instruction devoid of bias. Opponents, including Assemblymember Robert Garcia, expressed concerns that the law could lead to censorship and limit discussions on controversial topics. The bill reflects a broader struggle within California's Democratic Party to balance support for Jewish communities while addressing rising anti-Zionist sentiments among constituents.

 

U.S. News

10 Expert Tips to Prevent Bullying and Suicide in Schools  

In recognition of Bullying Prevention Month, this guide provides 10 evidence-based strategies for K-12 leaders to help reduce bullying and suicide risk. From staff training to parent involvement and policy creation, discover practical steps to build a safer and more connected school community.  

Download Guide

 

The Los Angeles USD board has approved a new employment agreement for Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, maintaining his salary at $440,000 until February 13, 2030. Carvalho stated he would not accept any salary increases or additional benefits. His renewal comes amid criticism from the Facebook group Parents Supporting Teachers, which expressed disappointment in the board's decision, calling it "ill informed." Carvalho emphasized his commitment to serving students and families, stating he looks "forward to building on this momentum." Under his leadership, the district has seen a reduction in chronic absenteeism from 36.9% to 25.1% and improvements in state standardized test scores. The union representing educators, UTLA, highlighted the need for investment in schools and improving conditions for teachers and students. Evelyn Aleman, organizer of Our Voice/Nuestra Voz, praised Carvalho for his efforts to support migrant students and engage with families.

 

EdSource

Malibu school officials have completed the first phase of emergency power installations across all campuses, addressing critical needs highlighted by 22 days of school closures during the 2024 fire season. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton said: "All Malibu campuses now have generators installed to provide backup power in the event of an outage." The installations were expedited under Emergency Resolution No. 25-05, allowing the district to bypass normal procurement procedures. Despite these improvements, community members remain concerned about emergency planning and communication, with calls for a "clear playbook for emergencies." Looking ahead, permanent generators are expected to arrive in mid-November, and a solar farm and battery backup system is planned for Malibu Middle and High Schools, with construction set for late fall 2026.

 

Santa Monica Daily Press

Victor Valley Union High School District has reported significant improvements in state test scores, with increases of nearly seven percentage points in English, six-and-a-half points in math, and six points in science since 2022. District Superintendent Carl Coles said, “Our students' continued improvement on state tests is a credit to our outstanding teachers and those who support their work.” The percentage of students completing A-G coursework rose to 52.1%, a five-point increase from the previous year. The district is also seeing growth in attendance and a decrease in suspensions. Coles expressed confidence in the district's ability to continue this upward trend, stating, “We know we have much more work to do.” The district serves nearly 12,000 students across various schools and is recognized for having the highest percentage of students meeting state standards in the Victor Valley region.

 

Daily Press

Bay Area schools have reported losing over $2m in funding due to the Trump administration's decision to redirect money intended for minority-serving institutions to charter schools and other programs. The Department of Education announced the termination of $350m in discretionary funding, claiming that the minority programs were "racially discriminatory." These grants were crucial for schools serving diverse populations, including Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Hispanic students, as they aimed to enhance retention and graduation rates. Vincent Rasso, director of government relations at the UC Student Association, warned of the impact of the cuts, noting: "This administration’s really trying to pit institutions and turn students of color against one another." The funding loss is expected to severely affect student support services and resources across California.

 

East Bay

Assembly Bill 495, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed, allows a wider range of relatives to care for children in the event of their parents' deportation. The law prohibits day care providers from collecting immigration information and enables parents to nominate temporary guardians through family court. Celeste Rodriguez, the bill's author, said it ensures "no child is left without a safety net." Supporters argue it helps immigrant families choose trusted caregivers, while critics, including Kristen Waggoner of ADF Legal, warn it could lead to child trafficking. Newsom said the law does not alter parental rights or custody rules, which remain under family court authority. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026.

 

The Modesto Bee

High school students in San Jose face significant challenges in learning English, particularly those who are native Spanish speakers. Many express a desire for more resources to aid their bilingual journey. Senior Silvana Navarro, who arrived from El Salvador, shared, "It was so difficult and confusing because sometimes I didn’t understand what the teachers were saying." Teachers like Paul Da Silvia strive to create a supportive environment, often using Google Translate to assist students. Counselor Karina Ballin emphasized the importance of collaboration among students, teachers, and parents, stating, "We need to work as a team." Despite the challenges, students are determined to improve their English skills and achieve biliteracy.

 

East Bay

Napa Valley USD has announced improvements in student achievement across English language arts, mathematics, and science, based on the latest state assessment data. The district reported a 4% increase in English language arts and nearly 2% growth in mathematics and science compared to last year. "The positive trend is evident at the school level," the district stated, highlighting that most schools within the district have shown improvement.

 

Napa Valley Register

Concerns are rising among educators regarding the decline of longer, more challenging texts in English/language arts classrooms. Laura Patranella, a fifth-grade teacher in Seguin, Texas, emphasizes the importance of reading full novels, such as Sharon Creech's Love That Dog, to foster deep discussions and emotional connections among students. “That was a really powerful time for everyone,” Patranella noted about her students' collective experience. Research indicates that prolonged reading of complete works is essential for developing reading skills, as Maryanne Wolf, director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “The reading brain needs to be exercised.” However, a 2023 EdWeek survey revealed that a quarter of educators in grades three to eight primarily rely on excerpts, raising questions about the future of novel reading in schools.

 

Education Week News

USC is currently embroiled in a political struggle that could significantly alter campus life. Gov. Gavin Newsom has threatened to cut “billions” in state funding, including essential Cal Grants, if California universities comply with the Trump administration's demands. The White House has requested USC and other major universities to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” aligning with conservative views on gender identity and admissions. Newsom stated, “if any California university signs this radical agreement, they'll lose billions in state funding.” The compact also proposes limiting international student enrollment, which could severely impact USC's revenue. Interim President Beong-Soo Kim indicated that no final decision has been made, while faculty members have denounced the proposal as “antithetical to principles of academic freedom.”

 

Los Angeles Times

A group of Indigenous educators in Ontario has urged the federal government to increase funding for on-reserve schools rather than recalculating allocations, following a letter from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) warning of delayed 2025–2026 payments and adjustments to funding models. Although the overall education budget has increased, protections for previous funding levels have been removed, and ancillary support has been cut, prompting concerns about sustainability, planning uncertainty, and long-term development of culturally relevant curricula. The situation has left Indigenous schools unable to plan for the year or beyond, and waiting to see if cuts will be needed, said Chippewa Chief Joe Miskokomon. "You can't program anything if you don't know what you're getting," he said. "It's placed the whole system in a state of not knowing whether you'll have resources to open." Some new ancillary funding, which can go to pay for additional needs such as tutoring for a struggling student, has been cut, said Leslee White-Eye, who heads the First Nations With School Collective, a group of eight Ontario First Nations pushing for a new funding model. The ISC said in the letter to educators that it remains committed to funding First Nations schools so they're "at a minimum, directly provincially comparable."

 

CBC News

The USC Thornton School of Music has appointed Solange Knowles as its first scholar-in-residence, marking a significant milestone for the institution. Over a three-year period, Knowles will teach a course on music curation, facilitate workshops, and assist faculty in developing long-term frameworks for the school. “For decades now, I've watched the evolution of music and music curation, and I feel like I have something adequate to add to the conversation,” she commented. Her residency will also include the creation of the school's inaugural curricular offerings in music curation, a growing field within the industry. Dean Jason King expressed confidence in Knowles' unique ability to teach music curation, emphasizing her innovative approach to creating artistic experiences. The residency is set to commence this week, with a class titled “Records of Discovery: Methodologies for Music and Cultural Curatorial Practices” planned for launch in fall 2027.

 

Los Angeles Times