K-12 Education

Five students stand outside the gate doors of an elementary school during a sunny day. Four of the students wear red shirts and two hold picket signs of a red flag with black eagle emblem.

K-12 Education

Schools move to minimize Chavez’s role in civil rights movement: ‘We stand with survivors of violence’

The state will be updating its history and social studies curriculum. Students typically learn about Chávez in fourth, ninth and eleventh grade.

By Carolyn Jones • March 19, 2026

A teacher walks across a classroom while students sit at their desks working on an assignment.

K-12 Education

California teachers ‘tread lightly’ for America’s 250th as they navigate competing narratives

California is strengthening civics education as America marks its 250th birthday. Teachers have to navigate a polarized political environment as they guide lessons on the Constitution.

By Carolyn Jones • March 11, 2026

A person speaks into a bullhorn while standing in the middle of a crowd that chants and holds up signs.

K-12 Education

‘Shocking’: What Supreme Court ruling on transgender policy means for California students

The court blocked California’s policy barring school districts from requiring teachers to “out” transgender students to their parents, unless the students gave permission.

By Carolyn Jones • March 4, 2026

A football player in a red jersey leaps with arms fully extended to catch a pass while a defender in a white uniform runs toward them on a field, with sideline figures blurred in the background.

Technology

To attend prom or a football game, California students first had to surrender their data

The state’s privacy protection agency is fining PlayOn $1.1 million for violating state law. The company, which operates the ticketing service GoFan, required students and parents to share their data to access tickets for high school events.

By Adam Echelman • March 3, 2026

Several demonstrators hold protest signs reading “On Strike for SF Students & Educators,” “Huelga ¡Escuelas Seguras y Estables Ahora!,” and “SF Stands with the Striking Educators!” while standing together outdoors.

K-12 Education

Wave of California teacher strikes ‘is no coincidence’

The California Teachers Association organized to trigger a wave of negotiations and potential strikes to garner public attention and flex political muscle.

By Carolyn Jones • February 27, 2026

High school students walk through a school campus.

Climate Change

What California’s planned power outages are costing schools: darkness, disruption and debt

California schools faced repeated planned power outages in 2024-2025 as Edison cut electricity to prevent wildfires, forcing closures and costly backup power solutions.

By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde • February 25, 2026

Education

Modern parenting means apps for sports, school and more. Where is the data going?

California is a national leader in data privacy. Yet state law has gaps that allow companies to collect and sell students’ data.

By Adam Echelman • February 20, 2026

A group of people holding red and white signs stand on a patch of grass outside a school administrative building. One of the main signs in the photo reads, "we can't wait for the future our students deserve."

Education

San Diego teachers cancel strike as deadline neared; district to address demands over special education

San Diego teachers canceled their planned Feb. 26 strike after reaching a tentative agreement with the San Diego Unified School District to increase special education staffing, provide additional teacher support and stipends, and secure future pay raises pending restoration of state funding.

By Deborah Brennan • February 18, 2026

A row of empty swings on a swing set in the shadow of a nearby tree. In the background is the sand area of a playground right next to the buildings of a school surrounded by palm trees.

Education

California schools face a new budget hit: Soaring insurance costs after sex abuse lawsuits

A recent state law lifted the statute of limitations on sex abuse lawsuits, driving a huge increase in payouts by school districts and government agencies. It has also increased insurance premiums for all agencies.

By Carolyn Jones • February 17, 2026

A group of people participate in a demonstration outdoors, holding signs in support of transgender rights. One sign reads "Protect Trans Kids," while another states "Trans People Have Always Been Here!" A person with red hair, wearing a denim jacket and a face mask, raises an arm while holding a sign that says "Let All Kids Play." Others in the crowd wear pink bandanas and buttons, standing among trees with autumn-colored leaves. The late afternoon sunlight casts a warm glow on the scene.

Education

Trans youth still have a safe haven in California — but that could change

Lawsuits and Trump administration policy changes are targeting trans athletes, bans on outing by school staff and health care. Some California policies are in jeopardy.

By Carolyn Jones • January 23, 2026