KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
Members of the ABCFT negotiating team and executive board met last week to work on master contract language. It was productive to have so many informed voices and perspectives regarding our contract. Our contract is made up of 127 pages, 29 articles, and three addenda. Understandably, many members may only refer to it a number of times throughout their entire career. However, it is a dynamic document that evolves over time.
Some articles may not have been updated for a while. This can mean that the language is still effective, those issues don’t arise as often, or a combination of both. Sometimes, the language is altered to reflect changes in state and federal regulations. However, for other issues, we may have introduced proposals multiple times over many years. Surveys will contain questions that begin, “have you ever thought about asking for…?” and oftentimes the answer is yes, definitely, it has been part of every bargaining session for some time now. We may be unable to come to an agreement with the district on some of our proposals, but we keep them as priorities with the understanding that when the conditions are appropriate, we can make progress. We have positive examples of proposals that may have been characterized as non-starters at one time, then shift into being considered as a possibility, until we can come to agreement and finally incorporate it into our contract. And then, years from now, what was once an outlier idea is now an established precedent that feels core to how we do things.
Similar to the discussion of stipends, a goal is to have the contract be accurate in the sense that it reflects what is actually happening. If there is a practice that is becoming a precedent, we should evaluate whether it should become part of our contract or needs to be reassessed. Another goal is that members can “see” themselves or their program in the contract. For example, we have been able to expand language for programs like Career Technical Education or Adult School so that those members can refer to particular language rather than rely on language from other programs that doesn’t match their specific requirements or needs.
As we have been communicating consistently, the COLA for this year is 1.07%. The district is currently deficit spending given this low a COLA and the impact of declining enrollment on our ADA funding. The school board held a special session to discuss the need for a budget stabilization plan as we move forward. Given these financial constraints, we have been advocating for a retirement incentive. The logic remains the same: if members earning close to the top of the salary scale can be incentivized to retire, this will result in ongoing savings to the district. In the past, we have bargained for a retirement incentive, sometimes called a golden handshake, and the conditions are appropriate to revisit this idea now.
In Unity,
SCHOOL BOARD REPORT
On Tuesday night, the ABCUSD school board recognized outgoing board member Sophia Tse for her 17 years of service. Mrs. Tse served her trustee area with distinction and will now transition to her new role after being elected to the Cerritos City Council. The ABCUSD school board could choose to hold a special election or appoint a member to represent trustee area 5, and they decided to move forward with the appointment process. Applications are now open and must be submitted in person by April 16th. The interviews will take place on Saturday, April 26, and a new board member will be sworn in at that time. The appointment will last until December 11, 2026.
Catherine Pascual, ABCFT Vice President at Large, spoke at the school board meeting regarding the interview process and expressed her concern that the proposed questions did not include a question of how a prospective member would work with employee groups. She noted that in a partnership district, it would be helpful to know how the employee groups would be considered in decisions. The board agreed to review the questions and add language regarding our employees.
Thank you to board member and now councilmember Tse for her work with the entire ABCUSD community during her tenure. Mrs. Tse would jokingly call members of ABCFT her brothers, but that inclusive energy characterized her years of service. She was a positive force during challenging times, and her support of the employees and students in this district is much appreciated.
TEACHER LEADER SHOWCASE
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united, we make the YOUnion.
Spring Break will be here in a couple of weeks, and then we will return for the sprint to the end of the school year. It’s gonna go fast. Teachers are testing, preparing for testing, and focusing on testing overall. At the ABCFT Site Representatives meeting, we had a lively discussion about a couple of new initiatives being implemented at what I think is the worst time of the year to ask teachers. The last part of the year before testing or within the testing window should be hands-off on new programs or initiatives. Talk about distracting from our primary mission, which teachers have been working on all year: getting our students to be strong in the curriculum and ready for next year. That end of the year is often crucial in the classroom, and there is little to zero energy to work on new administrative directives or initiatives. There will be discussions among the ABCFT Negotiations team about crafting language that protects teachers from these untimely distractions.
That said, what’s even more important is that we can have these incredibly important conversations in the ABCFT Rep Council meetings. I wish I could say that we have representatives from every site in attendance to get full participation, but this is not always the case. Over the past couple of years we have seen a drop in the number of secondary schools participating or attending the ABCFT Site Rep meetings, which is a concerning issue that we are discussing among the ABCFT Executive Board. There may be several reasons for this, such as time constraints, meeting conflicts, family obligations, school events, or any number of legitimate excuses….we all have personal lives and those should be put first and foremost ahead of our work.
What I worry about is not hearing what is happening at all the sites from the representatives in our once-a-month meeting. Every school's participation in these formative conversations is critical to what is bargained for at the bargaining table or solved before the issue gets to the table. Having a voice from every school at the ABCFT Rep Council meetings is a critical tool in our toolbox of union power.
Over the next year, I hope to have broader participation from all schools. The ABCFT Executive Board will look for solutions for involvement. The ABCFT Rep Council will consider some options going forward. One option is to continue having in-person meetings with occasional virtual meetings. Do we schedule our meetings at a different venue? Is the time or the day of our meetings (1st Thursday of the month) not optimal for the representatives? Or does the ABCFT Executive Board look at the criteria for the number of representatives our schools can have? The ABCFT VP of Secondary, Megan Harding, made an important observation. Because about five percent of teachers/nurses have opted out of the union, this impacts the number of representatives a school can have for their site. The current criteria is that we have a ratio of 25:1 for site representatives. Maybe it is time to adjust this number downward so that sites can have more representatives. In theory, if a site has more representatives, those representatives can take turns attending the monthly meetings.
I’m in the weeds here about representatives, but I want to make an important point. ABCFT Site Representative votes at your schools/programs have an impact. Elections are important as to how your school is represented and what issues are discussed at the monthly site representative meetings. The ABCFT leadership's goal is to have full school/program participation in our monthly meetings. We will look for solutions to make this easier and a meaningful use of site representatives' time. I hope you will participate in your school/program ABCFT site representative elections because your voice matters. Democracy at the levels you can participate in is a hard-fought-for union right. Exercise your rights because they aren’t guaranteed to be there if you don’t use it.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
CFT President Jeff Freitas calls out Trump admin threats against California
Following the Trump administration’s announcement yesterday of an investigation into the California Department of Education for alleged violations of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA), a move that threatens billions of dollars in funding for California’s classrooms, CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement:
“Donald Trump is once again using bullying attacks on California students to distract from his larger and nefarious goal to cut billions of dollars in funding from our classrooms in order to give his billionaire cronies bigger tax breaks. We will not be distracted from our mission to provide a high quality education to every student and to ensure that every student feels safe at school, whether that means fighting for the fully-funded education they deserve, or standing up for the basic human needs that must be met for students to learn, including their nutrition, safety, and dignity.”
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
This Saturday, April 5, AFT members will join thousands of fellow union members and activists in a nationwide day of action to say, "Hands off our Social Security, public schools, Medicare, and jobs."
Click here to find an event near you.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Feds probe California over gender identity law
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal investigation into the California Department of Education over claims that school districts are concealing students’ gender identities from parents, potentially violating federal law. The probe centers on whether California’s law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, breaches the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Education Secretary Linda McMahon called it “immoral” for schools to hide such information. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins also signaled a funding review. California officials argue the law doesn’t mandate nondisclosure and complies with FERPA. Some federal education payments have already been delayed, prompting political backlash.
EdSource Press Democrat San Mateo Daily Journal
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Democratic senators call for probe of Trump Education Department cuts
Democrat efforts to challenge President Donald Trump’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education mounted Thursday, as 11 senators asked the agency’s acting inspector general, René Rocque, to investigate the push. The group, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), wrote: “Decimating the Department of Education’s abilities to administer financial aid, investigate civil rights violations, conduct research on educational outcomes, and oversee the use of federal education grants threatens to have disastrous consequences for American students, teachers and families.” Rocque, who joined the Education Department’s Office of Inspector General as deputy inspector general in December 2023, became acting director in January. Meanwhile, Republicans in some states have taken the opportunity to ask the administration for more leeway in their education spending. On March 25, for example, Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a letter to the Education Department requesting a waiver to receive a block grant for all funds allocated to his state under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Such a consolidated block grant would “significantly enhance local flexibility” so “schools will be able to address their unique needs and priorities,” Walters wrote.
Special education oversight to move to HHS
President Donald Trump said on Friday that federal special education operations, currently spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Education, will move to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He also said he is aiming to move federal student loan and school nutrition program oversight from the Education Department to the Small Business Administration. “It’s going to be a great situation. I guarantee that in a few years from now… I think that you’re going to have tremendous results,” said Trump, while seated in the Oval Office of the White House. Relatedly, Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote in a piece for Fox News that abolishing the department “will not happen tomorrow,” but that she plans to pave the way for Congress to take action. “We will systematically unwind unnecessary regulations and prepare to reassign the department’s other functions to the states or other agencies,” she added. Democrats on the House Education and Workforce Committee have introduced a resolution calling for transparency and information on plans for the Education Department.
The Hill Connecticut Post K-12 Dive K-12 Dive
Key terrorism tracker scrapped by White House
A federal database that tracked domestic terrorism and school shootings has been dismantled by the Trump administration, K-12 Dive reports. Managed by the University of Maryland’s START program, the Terrorism and Targeted Violence Database was the first to study school-based attacks as domestic terrorism. Between 2023 and 2024, it recorded over 1,800 incidents, 400 of which involved U.S. schools, leading to 81 fatal attacks. Homeland security experts warn the move removes the only publicly available dataset offering critical insights to law enforcement, educators, and policymakers—potentially weakening national efforts to understand and prevent school-based violence.
McMahon: States won’t be penalized over school choice
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said the Trump administration will not penalize states that choose not to adopt school choice legislation, stressing that education remains a state function. While promoting school choice, she said the federal government is focused on offering guidance and encouraging state-level action. Her comments come after the president signed an executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and shift power to states. The administration has, however, threatened federal funding to states over other issues, including transgender student participation in school sports, with Maine under investigation for potential Title IX violations. McMahon rejected claims that school choice harms public education, pointing to Iowa, where Gov. Kim Reynolds implemented universal school choice in 2023 and saw public schools improve. McMahon also advocated for local control, saying: “There’s just no one-size-fits-all in education,” and emphasized collaboration among governors, educators, and parents to improve outcomes through tailored solutions like charter, magnet, and homeschool options.
Trump’s Title I guidance sparks debate
The Department of Education has reminded states they can already use existing federal Title I funds to support school choice options. A letter sent to state education chiefs highlights flexibility under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, allowing up to 3% of Title I funds for “direct student services” such as tutoring, dual enrollment, advanced coursework, and transportation to schools of choice. While the guidance doesn't allow use of funds for private school tuition, it aligns with Trump’s broader push for education freedom. Advocates praised the move as a positive early step, while critics noted the guidance introduces nothing new and may deepen funding inequities. The department says this is the first in a series of school choice initiatives. Currently, only Ohio utilizes this funding flexibility. Some states, like Oklahoma, are seeking block grants to gain further control over federal funds.
Education Department cancels ESSER spending deadline extensions
Education Secretary Linda McMahon has announced that the U.S. Department of Education does not intend to honor any of the deadline extensions to spend COVID aid approved under the Biden administration. In a letter to state education leaders, she explained that “extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion." The decision jeopardizes billions in planned projects across at least 40 states, including HVAC upgrades, tutoring contracts, and mental health programs. As of late February, about $4.4bn of $201.3bn remained in unspent funds from the three federal relief allocations under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund approved by Congress. On Monday Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, said that up to $418m is now at risk, including $305m that has already been spent and is yet to be reimbursed. The department said states can reapply for limited extensions if they prove the funds address pandemic impact. Elleka Yost, director of advocacy and research for the Association of School Business Officials, notes that school districts still will have to honor their contracts, which could mean cutting other budget areas. “Federal funding has become increasingly unpredictable for districts, making it very difficult for school business professionals to accurately forecast and plan,” she added.
Chalbeat Education Week News K-12 Dive
Federal judge blocks DOGE's access to private data
A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing private data from the Education Department, Treasury Department, and Office of Personnel Management (OPM). U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued a preliminary injunction following a lawsuit by the American Federation of Teachers and other unions, which claimed the Trump administration violated privacy laws by granting DOGE access to the personal information of millions without consent. Boardman said: “They trusted the federal government to safeguard their information. That public trust likely has been breached.” The injunction protects the personal data of the plaintiffs and could be challenged on appeal. The lawsuit accused the Trump administration of handing over sensitive data for reasons beyond its intended use, violating the Privacy Act. Instead of carrying out the functions of the federal student loan program, the lawsuit says, DOGE has been accessing loan data “for purposes of destroying” the Education Department. Boardman previously issued a temporary restraining order preventing DOGE from accessing the data from the Education Department and the OPM, but she declined at the time to extend the block to Treasury data, citing a different federal judge’s preliminary injunction effectuating the same relief plaintiffs sought against that agency. The lawsuit is one of more than a dozen pending cases challenging DOGE’s structure or access to systems at various federal agencies.
The Hill Courthouse News Service The Oregonian
----- STATE NEWS -----
California rejects bills to limit trans youth in school sports
California lawmakers have rejected two Republican-backed bills that sought to limit transgender students' participation in school sports and facilities. One bill would have barred students assigned male at birth from joining girls’ teams, while another aimed to overturn a 2013 law allowing students to participate in sex-segregated school activities based on gender identity. The Assembly's Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee dismissed the proposals after emotional debate, with LGBTQ+ advocates calling the legislation harmful and discriminatory. Supporters, including student-athlete Taylor Starling, argued that biological differences make the playing field unfair. Committee chair Chris Ward said such bills amounted to “gender policing” and posed risks to cisgender and transgender students alike. The hearing followed Transgender Day of Visibility and came after Gov. Gavin Newsom drew criticism for suggesting transgender athletes in girls’ sports may be unfair. With over 49,000 trans youth in California, advocates say these proposals reflect broader national efforts to erode transgender rights.
California’s new push for coding in schools
California Assemblymember Marc Berman has reintroduced legislation, AB 887, that would require all public high schools in the state to offer at least one computer science course by the 2029–30 school year. Despite years of investment and advocacy, only 52% of California high schools currently offer computer science—well behind the national average of 60% and far behind states like Arkansas and Nevada. Berman's previous attempts to mandate access failed in the Senate Appropriations Committee, largely over concerns about cost and a shortage of trained teachers. The Department of Finance opposes the bill, citing an estimated $50–$73m in ongoing implementation costs. Still, California has invested over $100m in computer science education since 2016, and advocates argue a mandate is the next step to close access gaps. The bill passed the Assembly Education Committee in March and now heads to Appropriations. It includes flexibility for small or rural schools, allowing computer science integration into other subjects if standalone courses are not feasible
California education law faces federal inquiry
The Trump Administration has initiated an investigation into the California Department of Education, claiming that Assembly Bill 1955 violates federal privacy protections. This law prevents schools from requiring staff to inform parents if their child wishes to use a different name or pronoun than assigned at birth. The U.S. Department of Education's Student Privacy Policy Office argues that this practice may infringe upon the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA), which grants parents access to their children's educational data. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said “Teachers and school counselors should not be in the business of advising minors... That responsibility and privilege lies with a parent or trusted loved one.” The investigation aims to uphold parental rights and address concerns regarding the impact of transgender policies on families.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Cuts spark safety concerns in Modesto City schools
The Modesto City Schools Board has approved the layoffs of 47 employees, including campus supervisors, due to the expiration of temporary COVID-era funding. This reduction will decrease the number of campus supervisors from 86 to 79, raising concerns among students about safety amid reports of fights and drug use. Parents and students expressed worries that the layoffs would worsen safety issues. In response, Sharokina Shams, the chief communications officer, assured that student safety remains a priority, highlighting ongoing security improvements and support resources. The district is also working to help laid-off staff find new positions.
Berkeley Unified may lay off or reduce staff
The Berkeley USD board has been urged to retain coordinators for the LEARNS afterschool program. Berkeley is among several California school districts facing layoffs due to a multimillion dollar budget deficit, with over 180 staff members receiving layoff notices. All nine LEARNS coordinators are at risk, threatening the program's structure. The program is already understaffed, with three vacant positions and over 100 students on a waitlist.
LAUSD cellphone ban enhances student interaction
Los Angeles USD has implemented a cellphone ban across approximately 800 campuses, utilizing Yondr's locking neoprene pouches to enforce the policy. This initiative has reportedly led to increased student participation and social interaction, with students at University Charter High School noting: “Classes feature more participation and lunchtime became more social.” While some students express frustration over the sudden change, others acknowledge the benefits, such as improved focus and better grades. Yondr chief executive Graham Dugoni emphasized the importance of creating distraction-free environments, and of developing new solutions, adding: “We know that anything we design... they're gonna keep finding different ways around it.” The program has garnered support from educators, with reports of enhanced classroom engagement and reduced conflicts among students.
Los Angeles Times
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
House subcommittee holds hearing on potential - and pitfalls - of AI in schools
On Tuesday, the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing to examine the potential benefits and pitfalls of artificial intelligence (AI) for classroom teaching, student data privacy, and critical thinking skills. While over half of U.S. states have published their own guidelines for using AI in schools, according to the national TeachAI coalition, relying only on states to deploy AI in classrooms without guidance from the federal government “is a recipe for fragmentation” and a “missed opportunity in education,” argued panelist Erin Mote, chief executive of InnovateEDU and the EdSafe AI Alliance. Districts such as Mississippi’s Pearl Public School District have their own internal enterprise systems to safeguard student data; however, many cannot afford to set up such networks. Mote also said that cuts to federal agencies, including the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights, make it harder to "reweight" sensitive data, particularly when it comes to students with disabilities or those from other subgroups. i"[I]n order to do that, to have the data, to be able to train those models, to be more equitable, … we need data and data infrastructure,” Mote said. “And right now, we are seeing a dismantling of our data infrastructure at the federal level, the very data sets that would allow industry, that would allow researchers, that would allow others to use that data to be able to train these schools to mitigate bias.”
Santa Monica-Malibu turns to AI
The Santa Monica-Malibu USD is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms, focusing on data privacy and ethical use. The district has formed a Generative AI Task Force to develop policies and address challenges, revealing that 32% of staff are "not familiar" with the technology. Concerns about academic integrity were raised by board member John Kean, who said: "I'd love our kids to learn the ethics of AI a little bit." The district plans to pilot AI tools in classrooms from April to May 2025, ensuring equitable access and responsible use.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Principals can't carry the pressure alone
Joshua Ray, an educational leader and researcher, highlights the overwhelming pressures school principals face, often in isolation. Many leaders transition from strong teaching roles into leadership positions, only to encounter imposter syndrome, burnout, and mental and physical strain. Ray's survey of 500 school leaders in Arkansas revealed that 40% reported sleep deprivation and 86% lacked adequate exercise. Many skipped meals and sacrificed personal time. Despite the education sector valuing collaboration, leaders often operate alone, driven by unrealistic self-expectations and the myth that tireless effort equates to success. Ray urges a redefinition of effective leadership, advocating for shared leadership as a healthier, more sustainable model. He calls on educational communities to support leaders and promote balance, collaboration, and collective strength to retain and empower school leadership in the long term.
Burnout blues: teachers in distress
Teacher burnout has become a pressing issue, affecting educators, students, and schools alike. Despite its frequent mention, there is no clear consensus on its causes. Many educators attribute burnout to external factors, particularly staffing shortages, which exacerbate their workload. Elizabeth Suto, a former teacher and podcast host, emphasizes that “the lack of staff is really leading teachers to burn out more quickly.” The EdWeek Research Center's survey highlights that increased staffing support is crucial for improving teacher satisfaction. Alexandra Robbins, author of "The Teachers: A Year Inside America's Most Vulnerable, Important Profession," argues that the focus should shift from teachers' burnout levels to the systemic failures that contribute to it. As staffing shortages persist, teachers are finding ways to cope, often by setting boundaries to protect their personal time. Many are prioritizing self-care and mental health, recognizing that teaching may no longer be sustainable for them.
Staffing crisis fuels teacher exodus
Teacher burnout is reaching crisis levels, yet misconceptions persist about its root causes. While some blame personality traits, educators and advocates argue that burnout stems from systemic issues like chronic staffing shortages. An EdWeek survey confirms that better support staff would significantly improve teacher satisfaction. Education author Alexandra Robbins urges society to stop pathologizing teachers and start fixing broken school systems. While some teachers quit after reaching emotional breaking points, others attempt to cope by drawing strict boundaries between work and personal time. A recent poll found that many teachers manage burnout by controlling what they can—like limiting after-hours work. Though schools still face staffing gaps, especially in special education, teachers are seeking survival strategies. Without broader structural reform, however, burnout will continue to erode the profession.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Black students left behind in reading
Dr. Diana Greene argues that reading reforms like the Science of Reading can’t succeed unless schools address systemic barriers facing Black students—poverty, trauma, chronic absenteeism, and lack of early literacy support. Nearly 40% of Black students attend high-poverty schools with limited resources. Greene calls for a holistic, equity-driven approach that includes family literacy, early intervention, and programs that promote joy in reading. “We keep looking for a silver bullet,” she says, “but the problem isn’t just instruction—it’s everything around it.”
----- FINANCE -----
Absenteeism and mental health concerns remain an area of concern for many districts
A comprehensive report by LAist reveals how California schools continue to grapple with chronic absenteeism, student depression, and academic setbacks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite record education funding, schools like those in Fresno and Oakland are seeing absentee rates double pre-pandemic levels, with some exceeding 40%. Mental health concerns are also rising, with educators witnessing increased signs of student anxiety, depression, and disengagement. While the state has invested in counselors and wellness centers, staffing shortages and inconsistent implementation have limited impact. The report underscores that money alone isn't solving the crisis, and that students need deeper support, stronger community ties, and consistent adult engagement to recover from pandemic-related trauma. Many school leaders say rebuilding trust and stability will take years.
Budget crunch sparks teacher exodus
Thousands of California teachers and school staff have received layoff notices in 2025, continuing a concerning trend tied to expiring pandemic-era funding and ongoing enrollment declines. According to the California Teachers Association (CTA), the pink slips are affecting districts across the state, including large systems like Los Angeles and Oakland. Many of the targeted positions are counselors, intervention specialists, and support staff hired using temporary COVID relief funds. “We warned this would happen,” said CTA President David Goldberg, criticizing the lack of long-term investment in education. Districts say they are facing difficult budget decisions as one-time federal funds dry up and state revenues shrink.
----- LEGAL -----
Justice Department targets California universities
The Department of Justice is investigating four California universities—UCLA, UC Irvine, Stanford, and UC Berkeley—for potential illegal practices related to DEI in admissions. AG Pam Bondi said: “For decades, elite colleges and universities have prioritized racial quotas over equality of opportunity.” The investigation follows a Supreme Court ruling that deemed affirmative action unconstitutional, leading to a decline in Black and Latino student admissions at many elite institutions. Meanwhile, Pomona College is under scrutiny from a congressional committee regarding antisemitic incidents linked to pro-Palestinian protests. The committee's letter demands information about these incidents, emphasizing the need to protect Jewish students. Pomona College has committed to cooperating with the inquiry while ensuring a safe educational environment for all students.
Palo Alto Daily Post Los Angeles Times
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Screen time linked to student insomnia risk
Research from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has revealed a link between screen time in bed and sleep disruption among students. The study, which surveyed over 45,000 students aged 18-28, found that each additional hour of screen use correlates with a 63% increase in insomnia risk and a reduction of 24 minutes in sleep duration. Dr Gunnhild Johnsen Hjetland, the lead author, explained: "We found no significant differences between social media and other screen activities, suggesting that screen use itself is the key factor in sleep disruption." While the study highlights a correlation, it does not establish causation, indicating that further research is needed to understand the impact of screen use on sleep.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
UCLA bans pro-Palestinian student groups
UCLA has indefinitely banned the organization Students for Justice in Palestine and suspended its graduate counterpart for four years following a protest that resulted in vandalism at the home of UC Regent Jay Sures. The university stated: “UCLA is committed to fostering an environment where all students can live and learn freely and peacefully.” While the groups can still protest on campus, they are prohibited from registering for events or receiving student activity funds. This decision aligns with actions taken by other UC campuses against similar organizations amid rising tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian activism, particularly after the recent conflict in Gaza. The university is also under investigation by the Trump administration for its handling of these protests.
California's education system 'needs a boost'
Michael Kirst, a professor emeritus at Stanford University and former president of the California State Board of Education, says California's education system faces significant challenges in ensuring that teachers are adequately prepared to meet high academic standards in English, math, science, and history. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) currently oversees teacher preparation but lacks authority over ongoing professional development, leading to fragmented support across nearly 1,000 local districts. To address this, Mr. Kirst proposes legislation that would empower the current CTC to provide the needed overall leadership.
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