Education Slice
Become more informed in minutes....
Education Slice Logo
California
29th April 2026
Together with

THE HOT STORY

California's math bill sparks debate

California is considering Senate Bill 1067, which mandates screening for basic math skills among kindergartners and early elementary students. "A student's early math skills are the most powerful predictor of their later success in school," said Amy Cooper, a senior advisor at EdVoice, a cosponsor of the bill. The initiative aims to address the state's poor math performance, where only 37% of students met grade-level standards last year. Critics, including the California Teachers Association, argue that the screening is unnecessary and could stigmatize students. They emphasize the need for comprehensive support rather than additional testing. The bill has passed the Senate education committee and aims to provide targeted support for struggling students.

DIGITAL CURRICULUM

Choose the Right Digital Curriculum  

How do you determine which digital courses will meet your students’ and teachers’ needs best? Get expert answers to your digital curriculum questions in the free Digital Curriculum Buyer’s Guide from FlexPoint. While you learn how to identify quality digital courses, you’ll complete worksheets that will offer a clear path toward your goals. These insights, tips, and more are vital to making the right purchasing decisions for your school or district.  

Download Free Guide

 

STATE NEWS

Tax relief for early educators ahead

The Supporting Early-Childhood Educators' Deductions Act, introduced by Rep. Jimmy Panetta, has passed unanimously in the House and is now headed to the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan legislation aims to allow early childhood educators to claim tax deductions for classroom supplies and professional development, similar to K-12 teachers. “Early childhood educators often reach deep into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials for their students,” Panetta said. The SEED Act would expand the existing $300 educator expense deduction to include pre-K educators, addressing the financial burden they face. According to the First Five Years Fund, early childhood educators spend an average of $860 annually on supplies, with over 90% reporting out-of-pocket expenses. The SEED Act is supported by various education and child advocacy organizations and has companion legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Michael Bennet and Susan Collins.

California schools need urgent change

Dan Walters, a CalMatters columnist, says California’s education system faces major challenges, with a Public Policy Institute of California poll showing 89% of respondents believe change is needed. Despite that concern, education received little attention in a recent gubernatorial debate. Republican candidate Steve Hilton suggested looking to higher-performing states, including Mississippi, for lessons. California’s math performance remains weak, with only 37% of students meeting grade-level standards and the state ranking 43rd nationally. Senate Bill 1067 would create a statewide early-grade math screening system backed by Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson.

Screens in schools: A double-edged sword

California schools are increasingly reliant on screens for instruction and communication, raising concerns about their impact on students' focus, learning, and mental health. Supporters argue that digital tools can personalize learning and enhance access, while critics warn of distractions and diminishing educational returns. Many schools are striving for a balanced approach, questioning what truly enhances learning versus what merely appears effective. "What’s actually improving learning, and what just looks like it is?" is a key inquiry as schools navigate this complex issue. EdSource is hosting a free virtual roundtable to discuss these challenges and gather insights from participants.

WORKFORCE

Strike negotiations hit a standstill

Negotiations to resolve a nine-day teachers strike in Little Lake City School District were suspended yesterday after talks ended without a settlement. Interim Superintendent Monica Martinez-Johnson stated: “We understand emotions are high, and we respect the passion of our community,” emphasizing the need for safety during negotiations. Teachers expressed frustration, with union representative Crystal Sampson saying: “For the district to wait us out is very disheartening.” The strike, which has become one of California's longest since 1996, centers on issues like health benefits, class sizes, and special education support. The district's spending during the strike has raised concerns, with daily costs for substitutes and security totaling $54,000 and $23,000, respectively. A school board meeting is scheduled for later tonight to discuss contracts and purchases.

DISTRICTS

LAUSD's tutoring plan: A game changer

The Los Angeles USD is prioritizing teacher-led, high-dosage tutoring to fulfill a settlement requiring 10m hours of tutoring for 100,000 students over three years. The case, Shaw et al. v. LAUSD et al, highlighted disparities in virtual learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly affecting Black and Latino students. Under the settlement, LAUSD aims to provide 45 hours of tutoring annually in small groups. The district plans to utilize its teachers first, with outside contractors as a backup, and is set to allocate $74m in ELO-P funds for tutoring in fiscal year 2027. “We know that teachers know their students best,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez, emphasizing the importance of the teacher-led model.

Manteca High celebrates graduation success

Manteca USD boasts an impressive graduation rate of 92.7%, surpassing both the San Joaquin County average of 90.9% and the statewide average of 91.5%. This achievement is attributed to focused monitoring of student progress and remedial programs offered before, after, and during school hours. Clara Schmiedt, Manteca Unified’s Director of Secondary Education, emphasized the importance of their summer program, stating: "If they complete the necessary work this summer, they will earn a high school diploma." This initiative aims to help 10 students earn their diplomas this year, highlighting the district's commitment to ensuring every student is prepared for life after high school. Manteca Unified also maintains equitable opportunities across its five high schools, with graduation rates ranging from 92.4% to 94.5%.

FINANCE

Palo Alto schools face funding crisis

Palo Alto schools are facing a significant challenge as the Committee to Protect Palo Alto Schools has not raised any funds ahead of the June 2 election, contrasting sharply with the $68,000 raised during the last renewal campaign in 2020. Todd Collins, a former board member, expressed concern, commenting: “It seems like the community is souring on the parcel tax.” With the district holding $100m in reserves and a 20% decline in enrollment, many residents question the necessity of an additional $50m in taxes. While the school board has reduced the proposed tax from $941 to $800 per parcel, they warn that failure to pass it could lead to teacher layoffs and larger class sizes. Sarah Cornwell, a leader of the “yes” campaign, mentioned that support from parents and teachers remains strong, with plans for lawn signs to be deployed soon. 

CHILDCARE

Stanislaus County tackles childcare shortage

Stanislaus County is prioritizing the expansion of childcare services to help parents return to work, adding 816 provider slots through the Stanislaus 2030 initiative and Nurture. However, the introduction of universal transitional kindergarten (TK) for all 4-year-olds is leading to a decline in enrollment at childcare centers. Many providers are struggling to compete with free TK options, leading to business closures and a loss of clients. The Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE) is aware of the situation and has made 894 referrals to family childcare providers, but concerns remain about the sustainability of these businesses amidst rising costs and competition from TK.

TRANSPORTATION

Sacramento's electric bus revolution

The Sacramento City USD is aiming to electrify 80% of its bus fleet within five years, a move that promises to save money and reduce emissions. Chamberlain Segrest, the district's sustainability manager, stated: “If you were to look at it now, we're doing great on savings because SMUD electricity is actually pretty cheap.” The district recently added seven new electric buses, which have already saved 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel this year. The initiative is part of a broader goal to achieve carbon neutrality in energy use by 2045.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Candidates vie for nvc leadership

At Napa Valley College, two candidates, Gayle Pitman and María L. Villagómez, presented their visions for the role of superintendent-president during a community meeting. This follows the resignation of Torence Powell, who is moving to the Los Rios Community College District. Pitman, vice president at Hartnell College, emphasized the importance of competitive compensation for faculty, stating: “We’ve developed a process that I think has worked quite well.” Villagómez, assistant superintendent at Santa Barbara City College, highlighted the need for transparency in labor negotiations, saying: "As long as we demonstrate to each other that we can trust each other, I think a lot can be done in those partnerships.” Both candidates also discussed the significance of equity and diversity, with Villagómez advocating for “less talk and more action” on these issues.
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