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California
15th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

California schools show mixed progress

California schools have made incremental improvements in graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and academic achievement, as reported in the California School Dashboard. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said: “Seeing modest improvement on every Dashboard indicator should encourage us to deepen our investments in every child's progress.” However, challenges remain, particularly with chronic absenteeism, which has only slightly decreased to 19.4%. The dashboard indicates that all statewide indicators are now yellow or green, marking a first in its eight-year history. Yet, disparities persist among student groups, especially those with disabilities and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. California School Boards Association chief executive Vernon M. Billy emphasized the need for a statewide plan to address these gaps, stating, “While incremental gains are welcome, they cannot obscure the basic facts — our academic performance is not improving fast enough.” The state budget has allocated $133.8 bn for K-12 education, aiming to enhance student outcomes.

SAVVAS - STUDENT-CENTERED MATH

Turn Math Into an Active Experience  

Active learning is the foundation of Experience Math® California, a K–8 program designed by Dr. Marian Small to transform classrooms into communities of curious, confident problem solvers. Each lesson engages students in meaningful thinking and discussion, supported by a structure that makes learning hands-on and collaborative:
  • Minds On: An open prompt that sparks curiosity and activates prior knowledge.
  • Action Task: A rich, student-centered task where learners explore ideas, test strategies, and work together.
  • Consolidate: A whole-class discussion that surfaces key mathematical ideas and makes student thinking visible.
With rich tasks, math talks, data investigations, and games woven throughout, the program helps students develop deep conceptual understanding while staying engaged.  

See active learning in action: Download free sample lessons to try in your classroom.

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration launches 18 new investigations into transgender athlete policies

The U.S. Education Department's Office for Civil Rights has initiated an investigation into 18 educational institutions, including New York City's public school system, as well as districts in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington state, regarding its policy that permits transgender students to participate in sports teams aligned with their gender identity. The inquiries are based on concerns that their regulations may violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded educational institutions. Kimberly Richey, assistant secretary for civil rights, said: "Time and again, the Trump Administration has made its position clear: violations of women's rights, dignity, and fairness are unacceptable." The investigation also encompasses transgender students' access to facilities. In response Mariah Moore, director of policy and programs at Transgender Law Center, said: “Every student, transgender or not, deserves the same respect, safety, and access to opportunities as their peers. These investigations represent another attempt by the Department of Education to exploit Title IX against the students it is supposed to protect.”

Whole milk returns to school lunches after Trump reverses previous restrictions

On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, allowing whole milk to be served in schools for the first time in nearly 15 years. This legislation aims to expand milk options for approximately 30m children participating in school meal programs. Trump said: "These changes will be major victories for the American dairy farmers, who we love and who voted for me in great numbers." The law aligns with the administration's Make America Healthy Again agenda, which promotes various health initiatives. Previously, schools were restricted to serving only low-fat and fat-free milk due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The new law permits schools to offer whole or reduced-fat milk alongside lower-fat options, reflecting a shift in dietary guidelines that now encourage full-fat dairy consumption. Implementation of the law is expected to take a few weeks, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

TECHNOLOGY

AI in education: risks outweigh rewards

According to a report by the Brookings Institution’s Center for Universal Education, the risks of integrating AI into education surpass its potential benefits. The study, which involved K-12 students, parents, educators, and tech experts from 50 countries, highlighted both advantages and disadvantages of AI in classrooms. While AI can enhance learning, particularly for students learning a second language, and ease teachers' workloads, it poses significant threats to students' cognitive and emotional development. Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow at Brookings, said, “We know that richer communities and schools will be able to afford more advanced AI models,” emphasizing the growing inequity in educational resources. The report ultimately suggests that AI could exacerbate existing disparities in education.

DISTRICTS

Mold forces closure of Highlands charter school

Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools in Sacramento County has closed due to mold, but officials plan to reopen. Twin Rivers USD board recently voted against allowing the charter to revise its school locations, which could have saved funds and addressed previous violations. Jonathan Raymond, the new executive director, expressed surprise at the decision, clarified: "It was a vote against a really underserved community, refugees and immigrants, and we’re the only option for them. So, we fight on." The charter, which serves adult students, has faced scrutiny following a state audit revealing it received over $180m in ineligible K-12 funds. With enrollment down to 1,500 students, the future of the charter remains uncertain as the board prepares to vote on its closure later this month.

Gustine USD shows mixed results

Gustine USD's 2025 California School Dashboard results reveal a blend of achievements and ongoing challenges. The district achieved green ratings for graduation rates and college/career readiness, with 93.9% of seniors graduating and a 6.6% increase in students meeting college or career standards. However, academic performance remains a concern, with English language arts and mathematics scores still below standard. English learners showed progress, with 44.6% advancing toward proficiency. Chronic absenteeism worsened to 27.3%, earning a red rating, and suspension rates increased to 4.3%. Despite these challenges, local indicators like parent engagement and academic standards met state requirements. Gustine USD serves 1,627 students, with 83.2% identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Emotional farewell as school closes

The Rincon Valley Union School Board has voted unanimously to close Douglas Whited Elementary School, a decision that has left families and staff devastated. The closure, aimed at addressing the district's $8.5m deficit, is expected to save approximately $1.2m. Interim Superintendent Mike Herfurth emphasized that the decision was not a reflection of the school's quality or community commitment. Students, parents, and staff expressed their heartbreak during the meeting, with 6th grader Amelia Sutton stating, “For families like ours, having a school so close is convenient.” The closure is part of a broader strategy to achieve $4.3m in savings this fiscal year and an additional $4.2m in the following year. Concerns about equity were raised, as Whited serves a significant number of English learners and socio-economically disadvantaged students.

WORKFORCE

Mediation on the horizon for teachers

Employees and administrators of Petaluma's Wilmar Union Elementary School District are entering state-led mediation after contract negotiations stalled. The Wilmar Teachers Association is seeking a 7.5% salary increase for the 2025-26 school year and additional benefits, including increased medical coverage and more sick days. However, the district's counteroffer included only a 4% salary increase and no additional sick days. “That speaks volumes for how they're coming to the table for serious issues that our members must navigate,” union leaders said. Superintendent Stephen Hospodar emphasized the district's commitment to employee compensation, stating, “We are hopeful that mediation will be a positive step forward and believe an agreement is possible.” Mediation is set to begin on January 30, with the possibility of moving to fact-finding if no agreement is reached.

LEADERSHIP

Community rallies to save superintendent

In the Adelanto Elementary School District, tensions are rising over the potential dismissal of Superintendent Terry Walker, credited with recent district successes. Community members, including educator Erin Gruwell, expressed their heartbreak at the board meeting on January 13, where the agenda item to release Walker was discussed. Kimberly Smith, a fifth-grade teacher, emphasized the community's desire for Walker to remain, stating, "While many of us desperately want her to stay, we do not want her to continue to endure the board's ill will toward her." Despite community support, Board President Miguel Soto Jr. reported that no action was taken regarding Walker's position. Walker, who has over 30 years of educational experience, remains in her role for now, but her future is uncertain. Gruwell warned the board, "People in this community will rally if you get rid of Dr. Walker."

Board drama continues in Temecula

The Temecula Valley USD board met on January 13, 2026, to elect a new clerk and vice clerk amid ongoing tensions. Board President Joseph Komrosky removed a potential censure of board member Emil Barham from the agenda, citing a bylaw that requires sufficient notice. Barham faces accusations of intimidation and unprofessional behavior from trustee Melinda Anderson, who stated that his actions are “inconsistent with the ethical obligations of an elected official.” The board elected Anderson as clerk and Jen Wiersma as vice clerk, both with a 3-2 vote. Board member Steve Schwartz emphasized that “we all have the same opportunity” and that no individual has absolute authority. The meeting also addressed past controversies, including a rescinded policy that had landed the board in legal trouble.

ENROLLMENT

Belmont-Redwood Shores schools face cuts

Belmont-Redwood Shores School District is contemplating reducing its middle school programs from three to two due to declining enrollment and low demand. Superintendent Dan Deguara stated that sustaining three middle schools has become "increasingly less feasible." The district anticipates a decrease of 290 students over the next six years, with both smaller schools currently under capacity. Four options are being considered, including maintaining the status quo or restructuring the middle school programs. Deguara emphasized the emotional complexity of the issue, noting that "this is a complicated issue, one that has a lot of emotion." A special board meeting is scheduled for January 21, with a final decision expected on February 12.

HIGHER EDUCATION

U.S. college enrollment on the rise

Overall college enrollment in the U.S. has increased slightly, reaching 19.4m students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Matthew Holsapple, senior director of research, stated: "Higher education has stabilized and is growing again." However, this growth is uneven; while public four-year universities and community colleges saw increases, private four-year colleges experienced declines. Notably, community colleges reported a 28% rise in short-term workforce credentials. Courtney Brown from the Lumina Foundation noted that public perception of college value is shifting, emphasizing cost, flexibility, and career relevance. Additionally, international student enrollment in graduate programs fell significantly, influenced by federal policy changes and a decline in computer science majors, attributed to the rise of artificial intelligence. Holsapple expressed optimism, stating: "Students are making different choices, which I think is a real positive for the field." Colleges adapting to these trends are likely to see continued growth.

INTERNATIONAL

South Africa: Boys falling behind as dropout rates surge before matric

South Africa’s Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has raised alarm over a growing gender gap in matriculation, with only 44% of 2025 matric candidates being boys, compared to 56% girls. The imbalance highlights a trend of boys increasingly dropping out between Grades 10 and 12, often due to repeated academic failure, lack of motivation, and social vulnerabilities such as gang recruitment. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane echoed the concern, stressing that the issue isn’t academic ability, with boys often outperforming girls in maths and science, but rather retention. He noted that dropout rates spike in later grades, disproportionately affecting boys, and called for urgent, targeted intervention to re-engage male students and keep them in school.

 
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