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California
26th February 2026
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THE HOT STORY

When grades look good, parents overlook falling test scores, study finds

A new study of more than 2,000 parents suggests that families are far more likely to respond to slipping grades than declining standardized test scores, a pattern researchers say could lead to underinvestment in children’s learning. In an online experiment, researchers from Oregon State University and the University of Chicago presented parents with hypothetical student profiles showing different combinations of grades and percentile-ranked test scores. Parents were asked how they would spend an imaginary $100 per week to support the child, choosing options like tutoring, after-school programs, or saving the money. They could also invest their own time helping with homework. Parents were most likely to increase support when both grades and test scores were low. However, when grades were high but test scores were weak, parents were much less likely to step in. More than 70% of parents said they trusted grades more than standardized tests, while fewer than 9% trusted test scores more.

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STATE NEWS

Unlocking California's school performance secrets

GO Public Schools, a nonprofit organization, has developed a user-friendly guide to help understand California's complex school performance metrics. Following then-Gov. Jerry Brown's 2011 reforms, the Local Control Funding Formula aimed to support disadvantaged students, yet the existing dashboard was criticized for its lack of clarity. Morgan Polikoff, a USC professor, remarked, "I have a Ph.D. in education policy and I can barely navigate these sites." The new California School Dashboard Guide simplifies the data for the state's largest districts, highlighting that while progress is being made, significant achievement gaps remain. The guide emphasizes the need for transparency in educational outcomes, especially as districts face financial challenges.

Archery program hits record high

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced a record number of grants for the California National Archery in the Schools Program (CalNASP) for the 2025-26 school year, with 18 schools receiving archery equipment and training. Grace Vierra, CalNASP Coordinator, said: “This record year reflects the growing enthusiasm for archery in schools and the incredible commitment of educators.” The program, which serves students in grades 4-12, promotes discipline, focus, and teamwork while ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities. Schools must obtain district approval and submit an application to qualify for the grant, which includes a start-up equipment kit valued at approximately $3,800. CalNASP aligns with California’s physical education standards and can be integrated into various subjects, enhancing student engagement and learning.

NATIONAL NEWS

Educators seek clear national framework as AI use in schools surges

Education experts and ed-tech leaders have called on Congress to establish clear federal “guidance and guardrails” for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 schools, warning that teachers are currently navigating a patchwork of advice from states, tech companies, and social media. Speaking on Tuesday before the U.S. House subcommittee on early, elementary, and secondary education, witnesses stressed the need for consistent direction as AI use in classrooms rapidly expands. More than 60% of K-12 teachers reported using AI tools in 2025, nearly double the share from two years earlier, though training remains uneven in quality and scope. Lawmakers are still defining the federal role in AI integration following a 2025 executive order to expand AI use in schools. States such as West Virginia have already issued and updated AI guidance, while major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are investing heavily in teacher AI training initiatives. However, some lawmakers and experts expressed concern that reliance on private-sector training could overburden teachers and risk prioritizing speed over student well-being.

WORKFORCE

Pasadena school district faces layoffs

Pasadena USD is set to approve over 160 layoffs as part of a strategy to address a $30m structural deficit. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco said: “These actions are among the most difficult decisions any school system can face,” emphasizing the need to maintain financial stability while preserving educational quality. The layoffs, affecting both certificated and classified staff, follow previous cuts totaling $24.5m across various services. The district's financial struggles stem from declining enrollment and rising costs, prompting warnings of potential receivership by the L.A. County Office of Education. Teachers and community members are expected to voice their concerns at the upcoming Board of Education meeting, where the layoffs will be formalized.

LEGAL

FBI raids home of LAUSD superintendent

Alberto Carvalho, the Los Angeles schools Superintendent, is under federal investigation following an FBI search of his home and the LAUSD headquarters. Carvalho, who has a history of improving academic performance, faced scrutiny in the past for a $1.57m donation solicited by a nonprofit he founded. The district's inspector general found no violation of ethics policies but noted an "appearance of impropriety." Carvalho, who immigrated to the U.S. from Portugal, has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, urging authorities to avoid enforcement near schools. "We are appealing to the better senses of those who have the power to eliminate trauma from the streets of our community," he said. The investigation's details remain undisclosed.

Clairemont High School unveils new mascot

Clairemont High School has officially adopted "Captains" as its new mascot, replacing the former "Chieftains" in response to a California law prohibiting derogatory Native American terms. Trustee Sabrina Bazzo emphasized that the new name reflects the school's military community roots, stating, "It represents leadership and inclusivity." The law, effective July 2024, aims to eliminate offensive mascots in public schools. The decision followed a thorough process involving a 10-person committee and community input, which included six town hall meetings. Principal Karly Johnstone expressed excitement about the new mascot's design, aiming to foster pride among students. The Captains will debut in the 2026-27 school year, marking a significant shift in the school's identity.

FINANCE

California schools face funding crisis

California schools lost over $2.2m in state funding due to vaccination non-compliance among students, as reported by EdSource. The funding loss stemmed from audits of more than 1,000 public schools, where over 10% of kindergartners or seventh graders were not fully vaccinated in 2023 and 2024. Following state investigations, schools in 72 districts experienced funding cuts. "The loss of average daily attendance funding was the result of state audits," the report stated.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Power outages disrupt Riverside County schools

California schools in Riverside County are facing significant disruptions due to power outages caused by Southern California Edison, which cuts electricity to prevent wildfires. On a windy December morning in 2024, teachers at Orange Vista High School had to evacuate students as classrooms went dark. This incident followed another power loss just a month later, exacerbated by recent fires in Los Angeles County. The ongoing power cuts are raising concerns about the loss of valuable class time for students in the region.

TECHNOLOGY

Six million educators to receive free AI training under Google-ISTE partnership

Google has partnered with ISTE+ASCD to deliver free Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) training to all 6m K-12 teachers and higher education faculty across the United States, marking what it calls the largest AI literacy initiative of its kind. The program will provide educators with access to Google’s AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, along with structured, classroom-focused training modules. Training modules are designed to be concise and practical, addressing concerns that existing AI programs are too time-consuming or disconnected from daily classroom realities. Use cases include personalizing lesson plans using assessment data, adapting materials for diverse learners, supporting large lecture halls with AI study tools, and helping students create customized study resources. The content aligns with ISTE+ASCD’s AI-ready graduate framework and educator standards. Participants who complete the modules will receive micro-credentials demonstrating AI literacy in Google tools.

LEGISLATION

California tackles math crisis head-on

California legislators and advocacy groups are advocating for mandatory annual math screenings for young students to address a growing math achievement crisis. Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, the primary author of Senate Bill 1067, emphasized the urgency, stating, “California is facing a real and urgent math achievement crisis, and we cannot afford to wait until students are already far behind to act.” The bill mandates that school districts adopt state-approved screening tools by July 2027, with screenings starting in the 2028-29 school year. The initiative aims to identify math challenges early, particularly for English learners, and provide necessary support. Despite the lack of funding in the bill, it is seen as a crucial first step in developing a comprehensive math strategy, similar to California's successful early literacy reforms. Arun Ramanathan, chief executive of PowerMyLearning, noted the importance of consulting experts in early math to ensure effective implementation.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario school board takeovers criticized by Black trustees

Black trustees in Ontario are raising concerns that the provincial government’s takeover of seven school boards is undermining efforts to combat anti-Black racism in schools. In an open letter to Premier Doug Ford, the Black Trustees’ Caucus said the supervision measures are weakening governance and equity structures needed to address systemic discrimination. The Ford government has placed the boards under provincial supervision, citing financial mismanagement, and is considering broader governance reforms, including potentially eliminating elected trustees. However, Black trustees argue that supervisors in some boards have reduced equity and human rights staff and paused Black student achievement committees, steps they say limit the system’s ability to identify and correct race-based disparities. The caucus also noted that at least 10 Black trustees have been removed or sidelined in supervised boards, diminishing oversight on equity issues. They are calling on the government to protect equity offices during supervision, provide dedicated funding for anti-racism initiatives, ensure transparent reporting on race-based outcomes, and implement recommendations from a recent Ontario Human Rights Commission report on anti-Black racism in education.
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