Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
California
23rd April 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

California's preschool program needs improvement

California has expanded free transitional kindergarten (TK) to all 4-year-olds this school year, but experts say there is a need for improvements in teacher training, class sizes, and curriculum standards. The National Institute for Early Education Research reported that while preschool enrollment surged to 1.8m kids, access remains uneven across the U.S. California's program, which serves nearly half of the state's 4-year-olds, met only three of the ten quality benchmarks last year. “We really want to make sure that quality piece and educational learning goals are centered in the program,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, an associate research professor at NIEER. Despite the challenges, advocates like Jessica Sawko of Children Now believe that the expansion is just the beginning, stating: “Universal TK ... is a real win, but it's also just the start of the work and not the end of it.”

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

Designated vs. Integrated ELD Instruction

Targeted ELD instruction, also referred to as dedicated or designated ELD instruction, is designed to help English learners develop critical English language skills needed for learning across content areas. This instruction should be aligned to your state’s adopted ELD standards and requires explicit development of English language knowledge, skills, and abilities. A targeted ELD program has the sole goal of English acquisition.

During a protected time in the school day, targeted ELD engages English learners in focused language acquisition and academic vocabulary building across the four domains of listening, speaking, writing, and reading. This differs from integrated ELD instruction, which provides robust support for accessing lesson-specific content and developing skills within an ELA or other content area class.

Learn more in this article

 

STATE NEWS

California schools go green with trees

California has invested $156m to replace heat-trapping asphalt with trees and plants at 215 schools, benefiting around 94,000 children. The initiative, part of Cal Fire’s Green Schoolyards program, aims to create safer and cooler environments while improving air quality and expanding urban tree canopy. “Kids shouldn’t have to choose between going outside and staying safe from the heat,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. The program addresses the lack of tree canopy in schools, particularly in low-income areas, where about 2.6m students attend schools with less than 5% tree coverage.

NATIONAL NEWS

Justice Department delays accessibility deadline

The U.S. Department of Justice has postponed the deadline for public institutions to make their digital content accessible to individuals with disabilities, extending it to April 26, 2027, for larger entities and 2028 for smaller ones. This decision has sparked outrage among disability rights advocates, including Corbb O'Connor, president of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, who said, "Yet again, the blind have been told to wait to live on terms of equality." The delay comes after years of anticipation for clearer guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which had not previously defined digital accessibility standards. Jennifer Mathis, who helped craft the original rule, criticized the postponement as "mindless and cruel," emphasizing the need for certainty in accessibility regulations.

School choice fight expands

Twenty-seven states have indicated plans to opt into a new federal school choice initiative—the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, set to launch on January 1 2027, allowing taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 annually to scholarship organizations in exchange for a full federal tax credit. The program will fund K–12 expenses, including private school tuition and certain public school services, with student eligibility limited to households earning up to 300% of local median income. While formal rules are still pending from the Treasury Department, early opt-ins are intended to help states and scholarship groups prepare for implementation.

LEGAL

Court dismisses TIDE Academy lawsuit

The lawsuit aimed at halting the Sequoia UHSD's closure of TIDE Academy was dismissed by Northern California District Judge Trina Thompson. The court found that the plaintiffs, a group of parents known as TIDE Rising, failed to prove that students with disabilities would be denied public education due to the closure. “Plaintiffs do not connect any advantages of necessity provided by TIDE which could not be replicated at other schools,” Thompson said. Jason Primuth, a representative of TIDE Rising, expressed disappointment, stating: “It is clearly a setback,” but emphasized their commitment to accountability. The district's Board of Trustees voted to close TIDE Academy, citing reasons such as program viability and fiscal sustainability. Superintendent Crystal Leach acknowledged the challenges but affirmed the district's responsibility to act in the best interests of all students.

WORKFORCE

Teachers strike continues

The Little Lake City School District teachers are on strike for the fifth day, seeking a new contract amid ongoing negotiations. The Little Lake Education Association's first strike in 154 years has seen protests at district leaders' homes, with about 40 teachers and community members participating. Strike Captain Tamara Smith emphasized the need for the board to engage, stating: "We want them to get back to the negotiating table, to negotiate a fair contract." Key issues include health benefits, special education support, and class sizes. Superintendent Jonathan Vasquez acknowledged the teachers' rights to recall board members but noted that the district faces broader challenges, including declining enrollment and rising healthcare costs.

FINANCE

Oakley voters face crucial bond measures

Oakley Union Elementary School District is asking voters to approve two bond measures totaling $123m aimed at enhancing school safety and upgrading facilities. Measure J seeks $59m for safety upgrades in seven elementary and two middle schools, while Measure K proposes $64m for classroom and lab improvements. Superintendent Jeffrey Palmquist emphasized the urgency, stating: “Studies show that overcrowded schools are more likely to have low test scores, student behavioral problems, and violence.” Each measure requires 55% approval to pass, with property owners expected to pay $28 for Measure J and $30 for Measure K per $100,000 of assessed property value over 30 years. The district's facilities assessment indicates that the urgent needs exceed what can be addressed with a single bond. A recent survey showed 64.2% of likely voters support the bond measures.

GOVERNANCE

Oakland USD halts superintendent search

The Oakland USD has unexpectedly suspended its search for a new superintendent, a move that surprised some board members, according to reports. Jennifer Brouhard, the school board president, confirmed the decision, stating that the board will now focus on addressing budget issues, with interim Superintendent Denise Saddler likely to serve until fall. Board member Mike Hutchinson expressed concerns, saying: “Nothing has been done to find a permanent superintendent,” highlighting issues of transparency within the district. The decision may exacerbate political tensions as the district navigates its budget alongside a tentative agreement with the teachers’ union.

Saugus USD appoints new superintendent

The Saugus USD has appointed Robert Hernandez as its new superintendent, effective July 1. Governing board President Matthew Watson announced the decision during an open session, emphasizing the board's commitment to finding a leader who can foster supportive school environments. “We believe we found that match in Dr. Hernandez,” Watson said. Hernandez brings over 20 years of experience in education, having previously served as the network instructional assistant superintendent for the San Antonio ISD and held various leadership roles in the Pasadena USD.

Napa Valley school board to censure trustee

The Napa Valley USD board is set to discuss the censure of Trustee Julianna Villegas Hart during a special meeting on April 22. The resolution claims she has violated board policies and governance norms.

DISTRICTS

Burlingame High reverses special needs plan

The Killeen ISD has decided to retract its plan to relocate students with special needs from Burlingame High School after significant pushback from parents and the community. The initial decision, communicated to parents on April 1, faced immediate criticism, leading to a strong community response at the Board of Trustees meeting on April 16. The Bay Academy program, which serves students with intensive educational needs, will continue at Burlingame High, ensuring that students have access to necessary support and coursework. Booker emphasized the importance of collaboration with families in making decisions that impact students' experiences.

Chan Zuckerberg-backed school to close

Nearly 150 staff will be made redundant as a tuition-free private school founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan prepares to close one of its campuses in California. The Primary School, which serves predominantly low-income communities, will shut sites in San Leandro and East Palo Alto by the end of the 2025–26 school year. Its backers have pledged $50m to support affected families and communities during the transition.

Rocklin housing project sparks garden dispute

The proposed Sierra Wilds housing project in Rocklin, which aims to build 118 affordable units, could displace a community garden and part of the playground at Maria Montessori Charter Academy. Brent Boothby, the school's principal, expressed concern, stating: “From December 2009 to January 2014, we shared our school site with the church — we were St. Augustine's only home.” The church, which owns the land, claims the lease for the garden has expired, while Boothby believes it remains valid until 2029. Sundeep Dosanjh, chief of communications for the Rocklin USD, emphasized the need to mitigate potential impacts on the school.

INTERNATIONAL

ATA challenge pushed to 2027

The Alberta Teachers’ Association’s constitutional challenge to Alberta’s Back to School Act has been postponed until July 2027, giving its legal team time to incorporate upcoming Supreme Court of Canada decisions that may affect arguments around the notwithstanding clause. The law, passed in October 2025, ended a three-week strike, sent more than 51,000 teachers back to work, and imposed a four-year agreement. The union argues the act breached constitutional rights, but an injunction bid was denied in March.
Industry Slice Logo

Education Slice delivers the latest, most relevant and useful intelligence to key educators, administrators, decision makers and teaching influencers, each weekday morning..

Content is selected to an exacting brief from hundreds of influential media sources and summarised by experienced journalists into an easy-to-read digest email. Education Slice enhances the performance and decision-making capabilities of individuals and teams by delivering the relevant news, innovations and knowledge in a cost-effective way.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities within Education Slice, please get in touch via email sales team

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe