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California students are facing significant challenges in math proficiency, with only 31% of 11th graders meeting state expectations. This decline is evident across various grades, with third graders at 46% and fourth graders at 42%. Arun Ramanathan from PowerMyLearning emphasized the need for schools to invest in math support similar to that for reading. He said, "Schools have a variety of supports in place to help teachers with reading, but they often lack the equivalent investments in early screening tools, professional development, or teacher coaches in math." To address these issues, California must adopt a coherent approach to algebra placement and ensure that students master foundational skills before advancing. Policymakers are urged to act urgently to close the growing math achievement gap.

 

EdSource

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The U.S. Supreme Court has directed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to reconsider its ruling on a New York state law that eliminated religious exemptions for school vaccinations. This decision follows the high court's previous ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, which affirmed parents' rights to challenge public school curricula based on free exercise of religion. The case, Miller v. McDonald, arose after New York's 2019 law removed religious exemptions in response to a measles outbreak. Amish schools and parents contested financial penalties imposed for non-compliance, arguing that the law infringes on their First Amendment rights. The 2nd Circuit previously ruled that the law did not pose an existential threat to the Amish community, referencing Wisconsin v. Yoder. In a related matter, the Supreme Court declined to review a case regarding book removals in public libraries, which has implications for school libraries as well. The justices let stand a lower court's decision allowing the removal of books, including ones dealing with themes of race and LGBT identity, from its public library system. The lower court rejected the argument made by the plaintiffs that removing the books was unlawful under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against government abridgment of free speech.

 

Education Week News

New York Times

Reuters

West Contra Costa USD has reached a tentative agreement with the Teamsters, leading to the suspension of the union's strike. "Tomorrow, we go back to work at our regular time with our heads held high," stated a message on the Teamsters website. The agreement, pending ratification by Teamsters Local Union 856 members, includes a three-year contract with a 3% permanent pay raise retroactive to July, and a 4% increase in 2026. Additionally, full-time employees will have 100% of their medical benefits covered for three years.

 

EdSource

Writing in the East Bay, Aiden Tracey, a senior at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, emphasizes the critical role of bilingualism in the workforce. In his research, he found that employers are increasingly seeking Spanish-speaking candidates, stating that Spanish proficiency can "fast-track a candidate." Despite this demand, educational systems often disregard bilingualism, delaying foreign language instruction until high school. Tracey advocates for earlier language education and the expansion of dual-language immersion programs. He believes that both schools and employers must recognize bilingualism as essential, not optional, to meet the needs of a diverse economy. "Spanish keeps San José moving," he asserts, highlighting the necessity of treating bilingualism as a vital skill for economic mobility.

 

East Bay

More than 200 students at Laguna Creek High School in Elk Grove came together to pack over 20,000 meals for families affected by floods in Vietnam. Vevian Nguyen, a junior and president of the Interact Club, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating: “We want to be involved in our community, which is having to be able to know that you’ve helped a family or at least just one person out there.” The event, part of a coalition with the National Honor Society and Rotary International Club, showcased student collaboration and enthusiasm, with Sandi Peterson noting: “Not one student was on their phone; they were all talking to each other, chatting, laughing.” The initiative not only addressed food insecurity but also fostered a sense of connection among students post-pandemic, as highlighted by instructor Cynthia Dettner, who said, “It’s a joy to see them come together and befriend each other.”

 

EdSource

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the job market, concerns arise about the future of white-collar roles, particularly in knowledge work. Jennifer L. Steele, a professor of education policy, emphasizes the importance of teaching soft skills, which AI struggles to replicate. "The skills that underpin modern technology will likely continue to matter," she said. Teachers can integrate emotional awareness and problem-solving into their curricula, helping students develop skills that are vital in an AI-driven economy. By focusing on emotional intelligence and complex problem-solving, educators can prepare students for a future where human interaction and understanding remain essential, even as AI takes on more tasks. The challenge lies in ensuring that students learn these skills without relying too heavily on AI tools.

 

Midfloridanewspapers

Redlands USD board is scheduled to vote on December 9 regarding the potential removal of "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison and "Push" by Sapphire from library shelves. Morrison's novel, published in 1970, explores themes of racism and abuse through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl, while "Push," which inspired the film "Precious," follows a teenager facing severe hardships in Harlem. Both books have faced challenges under a revised policy that allows for expedited removal based on perceived explicit content. Candy Olson, a board member, expressed her support for removing what she termed "age-inappropriate books.

 

Redlands Daily Facts

An advanced math course, Multivariable Calculus (MVC), is nearing approval in the Palo Alto USD, but faces opposition from the Paly Educational Council, which includes teachers and administrators. Superintendent Don Austin expects a proposal to be submitted for MVC, which would follow AP Calculus, with a board meeting scheduled for December 16. The council argues that MVC would only benefit about 6% of students and could create undue pressure, saying: "It risks amplifying the already significant pressures on students to do more, faster, at the expense of balance and wellness." In contrast, Pearl Chow, a former parent and advocate, believes that students should be challenged appropriately, noting that many colleges expect four years of high school math for STEM majors. The board will also consider another advanced class, Proofs Honors, which the council deems more inclusive. Austin has recommended approval for MVC, noting: "Unless there’s something in complete opposition to our direction, we would have no reason to block it."

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

The Pajaro Valley Collaborative is actively advocating for the adoption of the Childcare Safety Plan, a crucial resource for families facing emergencies. During a recent press conference, Faris Sabbah, Santa Cruz County superintendent of schools, emphasized the importance of support systems, stating: “No family should have to navigate that alone.” The plan, created by local nonprofits, offers a bilingual template for parents to document their children's needs and designate guardians in emergencies. With Assembly Bill 495, known as the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, set to take effect in 2026, the coalition is urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta to incorporate this plan into the law. MariaElena de la Garza, chief executive of Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, highlighted that preparation is about “taking thoughtful steps today so that our families have protection and stability tomorrow.” The initiative aims to provide reassurance and stability for families in uncertain times.

 

Santa Cruz Sentinel

In China, children’s smartwatches, originally marketed as safety devices, are increasingly becoming tools of peer pressure and digital addiction, with some watch accounts traded online for hundreds of yuan due to their social value. Experts, including Xiong Bingqi of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, warn that these devices now function as social "hard currency" among students, fostering exclusion and distorting values. Xiong is calling for tighter regulation to limit entertainment and social features under the Law on the Protection of Minors.

 

China Daily