California Education

Education News & Updates

Policy changes, test updates, and district news for California students, parents, and tutors.

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Policy & Legislation

California Moves Closer to Making Kindergarten Mandatory

Legislators are pushing a new bill to require kindergarten before first grade, with the State Superintendent's backing. California is one of only 18 states that still does not mandate kindergarten attendance.

June 12, 2026 · 5 min read

Policy & Legislation

California's Ban on Native American School Mascots Takes Effect July 1

AB 3074 expands California's Racial Mascots Act, prohibiting public K-12 schools from using any derogatory Native American term as a team name or mascot starting July 1, 2026. Dozens of schools are still in the process of rebranding.

June 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Policy & Legislation

California Schools Eye Record Funding in Newsom's Revised Budget — But $3.9 Billion Is Still Withheld

Governor Newsom's May Revision would push Prop 98 education funding to a record $127.1 billion for 2026-27, but a $3.9 billion holdback has the California Teachers Association threatening legal action.

June 11, 2026 · 5 min read

Policy & Legislation

Major Study Calls for Stronger State Oversight of California's K-12 Schools

A sweeping 1,000-page report by more than 100 researchers concludes that California's fragmented school governance is holding students back — and Governor Newsom has endorsed its call for reform.

June 11, 2026 · 5 min read

Policy & Legislation

California Proposes $2.4 Billion Special Education Boost — A 43% Increase Over Last Year

Governor Newsom's revised 2026-27 budget includes a $2.4 billion increase for special education — the largest single-year boost in recent memory. But $3.9 billion in school funding remains withheld, keeping educators on edge.

June 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Policy & Legislation

California Schools Set to Receive Record $127 Billion — What It Means for Students

Governor Newsom's revised 2026-27 budget proposes a record $127.1 billion in Prop 98 funding for TK-12 schools and community colleges, pushing per-pupil spending to $21,013. Here's what changed and what the catch is.

June 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Policy & Legislation

California's Top School Job Is Up for Grabs: What the 2026 Superintendent Race Means for Families

Sonja Shaw and Richard Barrera advanced to a November runoff to lead California's 10,000 public schools. Here's who they are and what their platforms mean for K-12 students.

June 9, 2026 · 5 min read