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California
26th March 2026
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THE HOT STORY

White House showcases AI teaching

Melania Trump used a White House summit on AI in education to argue for broader classroom use of artificial intelligence, joined by a humanoid robot called “Figure 03” that greeted attendees in 11 languages. She described a future where humanoid teachers could personalize lessons based on students’ pace and emotional state while supporting U.S. economic competitiveness and expanding access to high-quality instruction for diverse learners. Trump also acknowledged technology risks tied to screen time and child development, while summit participants stressed cooperation among governments, tech firms, and investors.

MCGRAW HILL - MATH EQUITY

Advance Equitable Math Learning in California

Meaningful mathematical discourse is essential to California’s vision for equitable, student‑centered learning. When classrooms prioritize communication, collaboration, and reasoning, students deepen their understanding and strengthen their math identities. In this whitepaper by Cheryl Tobey, M.Ed., you’ll explore practical strategies for planning and facilitating discourse that centers student thinking, supports language development, and encourages the construction of mathematical arguments.

These approaches align with California’s commitment to access, inclusivity, and supporting diverse learners across the state. Discover how intentional discourse can create dynamic learning environments where curiosity thrives and every student has the opportunity to engage meaningfully with mathematics.

Download the Whitepaper

 

NATIONAL NEWS

Meta faces $375m penalty for harm

In a landmark ruling, a New Mexico jury found Meta liable for harming children's mental health, imposing a $375m penalty. This verdict marks a significant shift in public perception regarding social media companies' responsibilities. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, who led the case, emphasized the need for better age verification and removal of harmful content. The jury determined that Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act by prioritizing profits over safety and misleading users about the dangers on its platforms. "Meta has misrepresented the safety of its platforms," said prosecuting attorney Donald Migliori. As more lawsuits emerge, the outcomes could challenge existing legal protections for tech companies and reshape their operational practices.

LEGAL

Schools take on social platforms

A summer multidistrict trial in Oakland will test whether school districts can hold social media companies responsible for harms tied to student use, with plaintiffs arguing the platforms foster addiction in ways similar to opioids. Attorney Jayne Conroy said: “These companies knew about the risks,” alleging they prioritized advertiser profits over children’s safety. The companies dispute that social media is addictive or proven to cause mental health harm, setting up a long legal fight shaped by competing views of science, responsibility, and regulation.

Parents fight school closures in San Jose

Families in San Jose USD have filed a legal complaint against the district regarding its plan to close five elementary schools, claiming the closures would disproportionately affect minority and low-income students. David Friedlander, a parent at Hammer Montessori, said: “This process has been discriminatory in its impact, misleading in how it's been presented to families and procedurally deficient.” The complaint alleges that the closure process violates state and federal anti-discrimination protections, as the schools serve populations that are 75-93% minority students. The district argues that the closures are necessary due to a 20% decline in enrollment since 2017, resulting in a loss of approximately 6,000 students. Parents are demanding a new community engagement process and have threatened further legal action if the closures are approved.

Whistleblower sues El Monte district

Leanne Morelli, former director of risk management for El Monte UHSD, has filed a lawsuit against the district, claiming her termination in 2025 was retaliation for reporting sexual abuse allegations. The amended complaint includes charges of disability discrimination and failure to accommodate. Morelli stated: “The school district has a history of minimizing and hiding information about misconduct and sexual abuse.” Her lawsuit follows a proposed settlement by California Attorney General Rob Bonta addressing systemic failures in the district's handling of sexual abuse claims. Morelli reported concerning behavior by a girls' basketball coach and raised objections about a former administrator's interactions with students.

DISTRICTS

Zuckerberg's school closure boosts enrollment

Enrollment in the Ravenswood City School District is projected to increase by 21% following the closure of The Primary School, a tuition-free institution founded by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg and Dr. Priscilla Chan. The couple announced the school's closure last April, impacting over 400 students who will likely transfer to Ravenswood. The upcoming June 2 special election will determine the fate of Measure A, a bond measure aimed at funding classroom improvements through a property tax increase. Proponents argue that the influx of students, rising from 1,400 to 1,700, supports the need for the measure. Laura Nunez and Jenny Bloom, school board members, along with community members, signed the ballot argument in favor of Measure A. "The bond measure would generate $4.9m annually," they stated. Meanwhile, Mark W.A. Hinkle, author of the argument against Measure A, raises concerns about oversight and accountability if the tax passes.

San Diego school to rename Chávez Elementary

San Diego USD is initiating the renaming of César Chávez Elementary following serious allegations of sexual abuse against the late labor leader. The school board voted to form a 10-person naming committee, which will include school officials, educators, students, and community members, to gather public input on potential new names. Student trustee Alina Nguyen expressed the community's distress, stating: "This person doesn't define who you are." Superintendent Fabiola Bagula emphasized the importance of transparency and dialogue with students. This renaming effort aligns with a broader trend in San Diego County, where institutions are reevaluating names associated with historical figures. The district's updated renaming policies allow for two renamings in one year, reflecting the seriousness of the movement.

Alumni push back on co-ed plan

Prominent alumni of Jesuit High School are urging the institution to reconsider its decision to become co-ed by 2027, citing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process. The school announced the transition due to financial challenges and a desire to align with its mission. Alumni, including real estate developers Angelo Tsakopoulos and Julie Teel, expressed concerns in an open letter, stating: “No alumni support was solicited... A change to the defining character of a sixty-year institution simply arrived, fully formed.” They have offered $100,000 to pause the transition for a feasibility study, but school leaders maintain that consultations have occurred since 2022. Jesuit High President Chris Alling emphasized that including girls aligns with the Jesuit educational mission, stating: “Welcoming young women to our campus reflects a core truth of Ignatian spirituality.”

Local schools earn top honors

Pacific Grove Middle School and Buena Vista Middle School have been honored as 2026 California Distinguished Schools by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss expressed pride in the schools, stating: “Their dedication to high-quality instruction, equity and continuous improvement is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students.”

WORKFORCE

West Sacramento teachers strike averted

A planned teachers strike in West Sacramento was called off after Washington USD and the West Sacramento Teachers Association reached a tentative agreement late Tuesday. The district announced the deal just before 11 p.m., following a second fact-finding session. While specific details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, the district stated: “We want to extend our sincere thanks to our teachers, staff, families and community for their ongoing engagement and support throughout this process.” This agreement prevents what could have been the third teachers strike in the Sacramento region in recent weeks, as unions have been advocating for better pay and health care benefits. The district serves approximately 8,300 students across 19 campuses.

SOCIAL & COMMUNITY

Broader gains seen in schools supporting LGBTQ inclusion

Research indicates that an inclusive environment for LGBTQ teenagers positively impacts all students in high school. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that cisgender students, those whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth, experience enhanced social well-being when attending schools that promote openness toward LGBTQ peers. Lead researcher Robert Klein, a doctoral candidate in psychology at Cornell University, said: "There seems to be this exposure effect that as people are around these identities more, they become more positively oriented toward them." The study surveyed 287 cisgender heterosexual teens across 38 schools in Michigan, revealing that increased exposure to LGBTQ issues fosters greater acceptance and social connection among all students. The findings align with Klein's previous research, which highlighted the importance of self-esteem in reducing anxiety among LGBTQ teens. The studies collectively advocate for fostering affirming environments in schools to benefit all students.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Universities under pressure to remove Epstein-linked donor names

Students, faculty, and alumni at several U.S. universities, including Harvard and Ohio State, are calling for the removal of building names linked to wealthy donors who had associations with Jeffrey Epstein, arguing that such honors conflict with institutional values and may cause harm to campus communities. The push follows the release of new government documents detailing Epstein’s network, prompting renewed scrutiny of figures such as Leslie Wexner, Howard Lutnick, and Steve Tisch, whose names appear on prominent campus buildings despite not being accused of crimes. So far, universities have not removed any names, citing formal review processes, legal agreements tied to donations, and potential financial implications, including the possibility of returning large gifts or facing litigation. Institutions are instead reviewing requests through committees and governance structures, reflecting the tension between reputational concerns, donor relationships, and historical legacy as campuses debate where to draw the line on honoring controversial figures.

INTERNATIONAL

Ontario tightens graduation rules

Ontario education minister Paul Calandra has directed school boards and educators to ensure upcoming graduation ceremonies remain strictly focused on celebrating student achievement and avoid any political messaging or “divisive or contentious issues,” according to an internal memo. The directive warns that failure to comply could pose risks to student well-being and signals the minister is prepared to use powers under the Education Act to enforce compliance, including holding staff to the same behavioral standards expected of students. The memo follows past controversies, including an incident in which a student was barred from attending graduation after planning pro-Palestinian remarks, and comes amid heightened political sensitivity around student activism.
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