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California
6th January 2026
 

THE HOT STORY

California's kindergarten debate heats up

California has invested over $5bn in early childhood education, yet kindergarten remains optional for 5-year-olds. Legislators are set to introduce a bill to mandate kindergarten, with advocates like Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California, emphasizing its importance: “Kids need to be around other kids, they need to be learning. It matters.” Despite the benefits, including higher test scores and graduation rates, about 5% of families opt out, often due to logistical issues or lack of awareness, particularly among Latino families. State Sen. Susan Rubio argues that the optional status discourages disadvantaged families from enrolling. While previous attempts to mandate kindergarten faced budgetary concerns, Rubio remains hopeful for the new bill's success, citing significant legislative turnover. “There are so many benefits to kindergarten, especially for the kids who need it the most,” Lozano said.

STATE NEWS

California schools embrace new laws

California is implementing several new education laws aimed at enhancing student safety and inclusivity. Among these, Assembly Bill 715 establishes a state Office of Civil Rights to combat discrimination, while parents of chronically truant children will no longer face fines or jail time due to Assembly Bill 461, which aims to address the root causes of absenteeism. The Phone-Free School Act, which is now in effect, seeks to limit cellphone use during school hours to reduce distractions.

LEGAL

Teachers win right over LGBTQ+ information

In a significant ruling, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez affirmed the rights of California teachers to inform parents about their child's gender identity at school, stating: "California public schools may be gun-free zones, but they are not First Amendment-free zones." This decision, which has been appealed by the state, could reshape school policies across California. The case was initiated by teachers Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori Ann West, who objected to a district policy that restricted such disclosures. Critics argue that this ruling undermines student privacy and LGBTQ+ protections, while supporters believe it reinforces parental rights.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Peer support boosts student mental health

California's Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health High School Pilot Demonstration shows promising results in enhancing student mental health and engagement. According to a report by the Children's Partnership, 936 students accessed peer support services, with 96% reporting improved feelings after receiving help. The initiative trained 140 students as peer mentors, who noted significant gains in leadership and communication skills. “With sustained resources, clear policies and targeted investments, programs like these can amplify student voices,” the report's authors said. Participating schools, including Oakland Tech High School and Mission Hills High School, tailored their programs to meet specific goals, fostering wellness spaces and community partnerships. The pilot highlights the potential of student-led initiatives in creating supportive school environments.

TEACHING

Phones distracting teens in school

Recent research published in the journal JAMA reveals that adolescents spend an average of seventy minutes on their phones during school hours, which detracts from their focus on learning. Dr. Jason Nagata, the lead author and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, said: "That time is literally during the school day when children and adolescents should be in classes." The study tracked phone usage among six hundred forty adolescents, highlighting that most of their screen time was spent on social media platforms rather than educational apps. Despite existing school policies against phone use, many students find ways to circumvent these rules. Experts suggest that parents should model responsible phone use and engage in discussions with their children about the benefits of reducing screen time to enhance academic performance and social skills.

TECHNOLOGY

Preschool teachers embrace AI

Despite concerns about screen time, more preschool teachers are incorporating artificial intelligence into their classrooms, according to a new report from RAND. Currently, 29% of preschool teachers utilize generative AI, although 20% use it less than once a week. In contrast, 69% of high school teachers and 64% of middle school teachers employ the technology. Jordy Berne, an associate economist at RAND, said: “To me it raises the question of how AI use is going to evolve in pre-K.” Concerns remain regarding the developmental appropriateness of technology for young children, particularly regarding its impact on communication and social skills.

CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION

Rebuilding schools after the fires

A year after the destructive fires in Los Angeles, school officials are beginning to strategize on rebuilding or relocating schools. The fires impacted eight schools within the Los Angeles USD and Pasadena USD school districts. While progress has been made in the rebuilding efforts, financial challenges remain a significant hurdle.

Little League faces field crisis

James Monroe Elementary School in Santa Rosa is undergoing construction to build transitional kindergarten classrooms, resulting in the loss of a baseball field used by the Santa Rosa American Little League. The league must raise $150,000 to convert a T-ball field into a full-size field to replace the lost one. So far, they have raised $35,000 through donations.

Classroom makeover wows third graders

Students in Jamie Serafin's third-grade class at Hope View Elementary were thrilled to return from winter break to a completely transformed classroom. Serafin, the 2025 winner of the OES Office Furniture “Transform Your Classroom” Remodel Contest, collaborated with OES and HON Office Furniture to create a modern learning environment. The remodel, completed on December 22, cost approximately $22,000.

INTERNATIONAL

Finland tackles fake news in schools

Finland embeds media literacy into its national curriculum from preschool, teaching children to identify disinformation and now AI-generated content. As Russia escalates propaganda across Europe, Finnish students learn to question media as a civic skill. “It’s very important to the nation’s safety and to the safety of our democracy,” said Kiia Hakkala, a Helsinki education specialist. With AI literacy now added, students like those at Tapanila Primary School are taught to spot deepfakes. Finland leads Europe in media literacy, supported by efforts like the “ABC Book of Media Literacy” and adult education programs.
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