California officials condemn Trump's plan to break up U.S. Department of Education

November 18, 2025

The Trump administration's decision to move some programs to other federal agencies has been met with criticism from California state officials and education advocates who argue that it will harm vulnerable students and create confusion and inefficiency.

Diana Lambert

Newsom veto stalls California’s push to curb charter school fraud

October 15, 2025

The bipartisan oversight bill was rejected as “too costly” and overlooks some of the recommendations by a task force, leaving reforms on hold until 2026.

Kathryn Baron

These are the education bills Gov. Newsom signed or vetoed

October 13, 2025

California lawmakers passed several education bills in the final days of the legislative session. Most but not all got the governor's signature.

EdSource staff

New law changes how California kids learn to read

October 9, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved Assembly Bill 1454, which provides elementary school teachers with training in evidence-based reading instruction and includes $480 million in the 2025-26 budget to support literacy instruction.

Diana Lambert

Commentary

Students shouldn't face punishment for saving peers from overdoses in California

September 29, 2025

In a state that prides itself on progressive public health policy, it is unconscionable that a student could face disciplinary action for intervening to save a drug user’s life. And yet, under current California law, that is precisely what can happen.

Isabel Prasad

Bill to curb sex abuse settlements stalls, likely to return next year

September 25, 2025

Victims’ rights advocates say they will keep fighting efforts to restrict lawsuits against school districts and other public agencies for sexual abuses and assaults dating back decades.

Thomas Peele

School board member stipends haven't changed in over 40 years. That could change with a new bill

September 22, 2025

Proponents of the bill have argued that while school board members dedicate large amounts of time to their position, they are not compensated adequately.

Emma Gallegos And Mallika Seshadri

Political tensions and tech shifts complicate roles on school boards, study shows

September 16, 2025

A USC EdPolicy Hub study found that school board members in California face challenges such as partisan politics, changing technology and uncertain funding, and recommended increased training and compensation to attract more candidates.

Diana Lambert

Lawmakers pass sweeping charter school anti-fraud bill

September 15, 2025

The reforms in Senate Bill 414 include more stringent auditing requirements for charter schools and a new Office of the Inspector General to investigate allegations of fraud in all public schools. A competing bill, held over to next year, could add more restrictions.

Kathryn Baron

The California education bills that made it to Newsom's desk, and those that didn't

September 14, 2025

California lawmakers passed several education bills in the final hours of the legislative session, including measures to reduce antisemitism in schools, increase oversight of charter schools and ban ultra-processed foods in school meals.

EdSource staff

Bill to reduce antisemitism awaits governor's signature

September 14, 2025

Following months of revisions, the California Senate passed a bill to reduce antisemitism in the classroom.

Mallika Seshadri

Infighting threatens to derail bills to prevent charter school fraud

September 11, 2025

Education labor unions and charter schools each are backing their own measures to impose tighter controls and regulations.

Kathryn Baron

How a charter school serving adults became embroiled in scandal and sparked calls for reform

September 11, 2025

An audit found the charter received millions in funding for which it was not eligible, assigned teachers to classes they were not credentialed to teach, and avoided standardized testing, in addition to spending on items like a trip to Paris and leasing a ballpark.

Zaidee Stavely

Commentary

How California schools can support students, families fearing ICE raids

September 9, 2025

Educators have it within their power to help students cope with the fear of immigration raids and deportation that hang over their families and communities.

Laura E. Enriquez

Commentary

With rising antisemitism, Jewish students need our help

August 26, 2025

Assembly Bill 715 strengthens anti-discrimination protections in schools for all students while ensuring that antisemitism is addressed with the seriousness it demands.

Larry Shoham