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A new EdChoice survey of over 1,000 K–12 teachers finds that educators primarily rely on direct communication with students (58%) and classroom observation (52%) to assess student success, while traditional metrics such as tests, quizzes, and homework rank lower (44%), and standardized tests are used by just 17%. Teachers also view student reflections and completed projects as the strongest indicators of “durable skills” like teamwork and adaptability, whereas parents place relatively more emphasis on standardized testing. The findings reflect a broader shift toward valuing social-emotional learning and soft skills over purely academic metrics. Despite mixed sentiment about the state of education nationally, teachers report more positive views within their own classrooms, with many expressing purpose and optimism, although over a quarter feel overwhelmed and only 22% would recommend the profession. The survey also highlights concerns around technology, with strong support for online learning tools but widespread opposition to cell phones and growing skepticism toward AI, which most teachers believe should be approached cautiously even as students develop critical thinking skills for its use.

 

The 74

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The Trump administration is withholding more than $2bn in congressionally approved education funding through the federal budget apportionment process, raising concerns about delays, disrupted grant competitions, and potential cuts to dozens of K-12 and higher education programs. According to publicly available budget documents reviewed by Education Week, the Office of Management and Budget has yet to release most or all fiscal 2026 funding for 35 Education Department grant programs, including support for teacher training, education research, community schools, magnet schools, arts education, and Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native education initiatives. Many of the affected programs are ones the Trump administration has repeatedly proposed eliminating or consolidating into broader state block grants. In some cases, only small portions of funding have been released for administrative expenses, while other programs still show zero allocated funding despite Congress approving the money in February. Advocates and grant recipients warned that prolonged delays could force organizations to pause programs, reduce services, or lay off staff if competitions for new grants are not launched soon. Some programs have begun accepting applications, offering limited reassurance, though uncertainty remains over whether funds will ultimately be distributed. The administration has argued that apportionment is necessary to ensure spending aligns with presidential priorities and federal law, while critics say the process is being used to sidestep Congress and effectively freeze legally approved spending. Legal experts noted that previous administrations routinely released education funding shortly after budgets were passed, making the current delays highly unusual.

 

Education Week News

American schools invest around $4bn in physical safety measures, but research from the Learning Policy Institute suggests that fostering trusting relationships, a positive climate, and mental health support yields better safety outcomes. Jennifer DePaoli, a researcher and author, said: “Unfortunately, in the name of keeping students safe in school, they may unintentionally be doing the opposite.” The study highlights that investments in school climate and student support, such as mental health initiatives, significantly enhance safety. A national study of over 36,000 students revealed that school connectedness lowered absenteeism, substance abuse, and violence. DePaoli emphasized, “Every dollar spent on school safety is ultimately a choice about what kind of environment schools create for young people.”

 

EdSource

Special education in Los Angeles County faces significant challenges, as highlighted by a recent survey from SpEducational, a parent-led advocacy organization. The survey, which included responses from 342 families, revealed that only 45% of children in special education feel safe at school, with 41% of families dissatisfied with the services provided. Lisa Mosko Barros, founder of SpEducational, said: "The data is sobering," reflecting long-standing issues families have faced. The survey also indicated that securing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is often a frustrating process, with many families lacking necessary information before meetings. Additionally, Spanish-speaking and low-income families reported feeling excluded from the planning process. The findings underscore the urgent need for districts to collaborate with families and gather data to better address student needs.

 

EdSource

Tony Thurmond, California's state superintendent of public instruction, is a longshot candidate in the governor's race, struggling to gain traction with only 3% support in polls. He advocates for progressive policies, including state-funded single-payer health insurance and a billionaire's tax. In an interview with the Chronicle, he emphasized the need for educational reform, stating: "If you look at all of the strikes that we're seeing right now, they stem from the declining enrollment that districts have experienced over the years." Thurmond proposes a shift to an enrollment-based funding system and a five-year plan costing $1.5bn to improve literacy and support homeless students. He also aims to address the challenges posed by the current governor's proposal to reduce the state superintendent's power, advocating instead for strengthening the Department of Education.

 

San Francisco Chronicle

Davon Thomas, a Sacramento native and former student of St. HOPE Public Charter Schools, is campaigning for the Sacramento County Board of Education, Area 1. His platform emphasizes mental health, juvenile justice education, and accountability for both traditional and charter schools. Thomas advocates for increased mental health support, culturally competent care, and better recruitment of credentialed teachers. He also aims to address disparities faced by Black students, highlighting the need for structural policy changes. He praised the Black Student Landscape Analysis by SCOE, which outlines barriers and recommendations for improvement.

 

The Sacramento Observer

On June 2, voters in the Redwood City School District will decide on Measure C, a parcel tax initiative aimed at enhancing funding for local elementary and middle schools. The measure, which proposes a tax rate of 17.5 cents per square foot annually on improved parcels, seeks to address budgetary challenges stemming from declining enrollment and inflation. It is expected to generate approximately $12.2m annually and will last for eight years, starting July 1, 2026. Supporters argue that the funds will help retain experienced teachers and support essential academic programs, stating that it provides "predictable, long-term funding." However, opponents raise concerns about the increased tax burden and the legitimacy of oversight measures. The measure requires a two-thirds approval to pass.

 

Palo Alto Daily Post

Pasadena USD is facing backlash from the Altadena community regarding the rebuild of the Eliot Arts Magnet, which was destroyed in the Eaton fire. Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco stated that the existing tower is not part of the future plans, citing safety concerns from consultations with insurance and engineering firms. Altadena Town Council Vice Chair Milissa Marona noted, “Therefore, future plans do not include the building A nor the tower.” The PUSD Board of Education had previously passed a resolution committing to the rebuild, emphasizing the importance of Eliot as a community institution.

 

LA Daily News

Pasadena Star-News

Alameda USD is set to unveil several new facilities, starting with the Kofman Auditorium at Alameda High School on May 22. This renovation includes modern upgrades such as new stage lights, a state-of-the-art projector, and improved dressing rooms. Following this, Wood Middle School will open its new campus in August, featuring a new classroom building, gymnasium, and green spaces. Additionally, a new swim center at Alameda High is expected to open in October, offering enhanced aquatic facilities, including a competition pool and practice pool. These projects are funded by the community-supported Measure I and Measure B facility bonds.

 

East Bay

School districts across the U.S. are increasingly prioritizing cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI governance as generative artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in education, according to CoSN’s 2026 State of EdTech report. The report, based on responses from 607 K-12 leaders across 44 states, found that school systems are moving beyond early AI experimentation and focusing more heavily on risk management, policy development, and long-term operational oversight. Cybersecurity and privacy concerns have returned as the top priorities for education technology leaders after AI briefly overtook them in last year’s SETDA survey. About 75% of respondents said they were “very concerned” about AI-enabled cyberattacks, while 65% cited insufficient budgets as the biggest barrier to cybersecurity preparedness. Another 52% pointed to staffing and training shortages as major challenges. At the same time, AI adoption continues to expand rapidly. Nearly 88% of districts said they already have AI initiatives underway, and 79% reported having formal AI guidelines in place, up sharply from 57% in 2025. Confidence in AI’s educational value remains strong, with 96% of respondents saying the technology could positively benefit education through areas such as productivity, personalized learning, tutoring, and workforce readiness. The report also found districts are increasingly using procurement policies to manage AI risks, with 56% requiring vendors to provide product safety information before adoption. However, CoSN noted that fewer districts require broader quality measures such as accessibility, interoperability, evidence-based design, or usability standards.

 

Govenrment Technology

A large U.S. school district study found that district-wide renovations, upgraded HVAC systems, improved ventilation, and better cleaning practices were associated with fewer student absences caused by respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The study tracked 45,428 students across 1,217 school days, covering seven school years and renovations at 45 schools. Researchers found that more than one-third of respiratory illness absences could potentially be reduced by keeping school facilities updated and meeting recommended ventilation standards. The findings also suggest that more frequent cleaning may help reduce gastrointestinal illness absences, while cooler classroom temperatures and higher absolute humidity could provide additional health benefits. Researchers said the results show that maintaining strong indoor environmental quality in schools can reduce infectious disease transmission and improve attendance.

 

Nature

A new study from Delaware offers early evidence that high school career pathways programs may help increase college enrollment and workplace readiness, although many students ultimately pursue careers outside the fields they studied in high school. Career pathways programs, which combine academic coursework with job-focused training and workplace experiences, have become a major part of education reform efforts nationwide. Delaware, considered a national leader in the movement, launched its statewide initiative in 2014, and roughly 70% of the state’s high school students now participate. Researchers at RTI International tracked more than 6,000 graduates who completed at least two courses in a career field. The study found that about three-quarters enrolled in college or another postsecondary training program after graduation, exceeding the national average of 63%. However, fewer than half continued studying or working in the same field they pursued in high school. Students in construction-related pathways, for example, frequently shifted into science, engineering, business, or healthcare majors after graduation.

 

Governing

The U.S. Justice Department has accused UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine of biased admissions practices favoring Black and Hispanic applicants. The department's findings suggest that "on average, admitted Black and Hispanic applicants had consistently lower academic qualifications than their white and Asian counterparts." UCLA stated it is "carefully reviewing" the report and maintains that its admissions process is merit-based. The investigation follows a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in admissions, despite UCLA's previous claims of compliance with state laws prohibiting race as a factor. This scrutiny comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity policies in education, which the president has criticized as discriminatory against certain groups.

 

EdSource

Los Angeles Times

San Luis Obispo Tribune

U.S. News

Sonoma State University has faced significant challenges, including leadership instability and declining enrollment. However, the appointment of Michael E. Spagna as president has sparked optimism. Spagna, who has extensive experience in the California State University system, aims to stabilize the university and enhance its appeal to prospective students. He noted: "I wanted to come and provide stability," emphasizing the importance of community engagement and student support. His strategies for increasing enrollment include guaranteed admission for students with specific GPAs, reestablishing recruitment pipelines, and enhancing internship opportunities. Spagna also recognizes the value of athletics in fostering community spirit and plans to explore the return of sports programs. 

 

EdSource

South Korea is reconsidering the role of Chinese characters, known as Hanja, in education as officials and teachers raise concerns about declining student literacy and growing difficulties understanding vocabulary derived from classical Chinese. The National Education Commission said it may review measures to strengthen Hanja education, including the possible addition of Chinese character annotations in textbooks. The proposal has revived a long-running and politically sensitive debate over how much Hanja should be taught in schools. Education officials said the discussions are part of broader efforts to improve reading, writing, and vocabulary skills, after surveys showed widespread concern among teachers about deteriorating literacy levels. A 2024 survey by the Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations found that 92% of teachers believed student literacy had declined, while two in 10 students reportedly struggled to understand textbooks without significant assistance. Supporters of stronger Hanja education argue that it is necessary because more than half of Korean vocabulary is derived from Chinese characters. Teachers and professors cited multiple examples of students misunderstanding common Sino-Korean words because they did not recognize the underlying meanings of the characters.

 

China Daily