KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update
By Ruben Mancillas
This week, I attended a district health and safety committee meeting, where I raised some questions about our mandatory training. That is, we clearly need to be in compliance, but could the process be more concise? Do we need to do all of the current modules every year? Are there modules that could be eliminated? Are there modules that should be added to address identified populations? Should training be more specific, tailored to particular grade levels or programs?
I recommended that more clarity be provided regarding the PRISM training for our secondary teachers and nurses. The first Keenan deadline is on October 3. The PRISM and the second Keenan deadlines are November 7. Our contract states that “unit members will be given the appropriate amount of time during their duty day to complete annual state mandatory training.” But as I have written previously, when we are asked to do something additional, it is reasonable to ask what is coming off of our plate? There are only so many minutes available during our duty day.
We have been responding to a number of questions and concerns across the district. Student behaviors, how to best support them, and the timeliness of this support remain ongoing issues. We have received questions about class sizes. The contract states, “school administration will have 30 school days from the first day of instruction to reduce each class roll to its appropriate maximum.” The 2025 deadline is September 24. This day, when classes need to be balanced, is rapidly approaching. I recommend working with your administrator and/or program specialist in advance to help find solutions. In special education, for example, the number of initials should be taken into account when planning what the eventual caseload will look like. Getting just under caseload by a deadline will not mean much if several additional students qualify for services in the coming weeks. While the actual number of students is what is considered, the level of support they need should also be taken into account.
On Wednesday, members of the Child Development team met with district personnel to discuss job descriptions and potential new opportunities for support. Our Child Development teachers have sometimes been defined by the hours in their salary schedule, and it will be helpful moving forward to describe them by their respective programs instead. Each program performs a distinct role within our district, and I hope that in future YOUnion news, they can contribute an article so that we can all learn more about the valuable work they do.
We had a productive Executive Board meeting yesterday here at the union office. It went late, but we needed the time to be able to share what different grade levels and departments were experiencing. We discussed the upcoming board meeting, a new MOU for our EXCELS teachers, cell phone policy, and the visit by a delegation of educators from South Africa.
Movie recommendation this week: the American Cinematheque has two great films coming up on Saturday, September 27, at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Although it is not an actual double bill, the tribute to actor William Petersen features him in attendance for a Q&A session after each film. Manhunter (1986) is an underrated, stylish work by the influential director, Michael Mann. If you have only seen Anthony Hopkins play Hannibal Lecter, take the opportunity to see how Brian Cox interprets the role. To Live And Die in L.A. (1985) has a star making villain turn by Willem Dafoe, a wicked plot twist, and one of the greatest car chases of all time. My son and I were fortunate to see the director, William Friedkin, introduce the film some years ago. An audience member asked him how he photographed a particular car stunt, and he explained that a lot of it was done with camera angles and editing. When pressed how that could have been done safely in the era before CGI, he finally relented and said, “Yeah, that one was dangerous, there’s no way we could shoot it that way today.” His admission made me think of our Risk Management department. They would (rightly) have said no!
And some good news before heading into our weekend: we received confirmation from Human Resources that members who participated in the Transcend PL on August 8 will receive their check on October 5.
In Unity,
SCHOOL BOARD REPORT:
The ABCUSD school board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 16. At the conclusion of their last study session, a request was made by a board member to put the SchoolWorks consolidation and reconfiguration proposal, introduced last May, on the agenda for the next board meeting. No decisions have been made, but if the board does move forward with a plan, ABCFT will continue to keep you informed about the potential impact and implications for our members.
Here are the three major documents that were part of the discussions in the board’s most recent study session.. Please note that the September 2, 2025, report includes additional enrollment data that was requested from the previous board meeting. You can look at a more detailed slide deck, which shows enrollment at individual school sites, grade level numbers, the number of combo classes in each school, and some financial factors that are impacting the district budget going forward.
September 2, 2025 - Special Study Session: Declining Enrollment and Facility Use
Final_School Consolidation Report_Accepted 5.20.25
ABC USD FINAL Demographic Study - Davis Demographics
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES FROM ITBy Mike Lawrence, Director of IT
As I visited many campuses for their Back to School Night, I was thrilled to see teachers use technology and reference our shift towards ParentSquare for parent communication and give reminders about bringing fully charged devices to school every day - well done! I did, however, see a reference to AI Detection tools as a way to discourage AI use, which is not the approach we recommend in our Ethical and Responsible Use of AI Guidance at ABC Unified. It’s important to remember that AI detectors, even those within TurnItIn.com and other platforms are not reliable, and do not even claim to be accurate. They often have false positives when legitimate student work shows up as AI and truly AI-generated text fails to trigger the detector. And they’ve been proven to have a bias against second-language learners. Remember - at ABCUSD, our hope is to start a conversation, not an accusation. We’ve got a presentation on why AI Detectors don’t work here, and I’ve pasted a key graphic from Holly Clark’s the AI Infused Classroom to explain some of the reasons why AI Detection fails and what teachers should do instead.
We're here to support you. We would be happy to come to your campus and meet with you individually, in grade-level or discipline-specific teams, to further discuss responsible AI use, provide instructional strategies, and share recommended tools to turn AI misuse into teachable moments. Our goal is helping you foster a learning environment based on trust and transparency where AI becomes a tool that is used when appropriate to augment, not replace, a student's human intelligence.
I was also proud to see the high interest in yesterday’s AI Community Roundtable, in which we tackled the question of cheating with AI head-on. If you missed it, here’s the AI Community Roundtable recording and slides from the presentation and a link to Richard Culatta’s thoughts on a recent Stanford study about AI’s role in cheating (spoiler alert - it’s had no discernible impact).
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - by 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 affecting their working and learning conditions, as well as their mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation, and united, we make the YOUnion.
The cumulative stress since we returned to our classrooms is starting to show its impact. Ruben, I, the ABCFT Executive Board, and the ABCFT Site Representatives are fielding a large number of questions and concerns from our members. Overall, as a district, teachers and nurses are doing their jobs as best they can, but the challenges are mounting, and I don’t think our national news cycle is helping the situation by bringing more tension into our schools. We are assisting members with grievances and mediation over issues that span the challenges of student behavior (often falling under the safety category), facilities, educational and mental health supports, class sizes, and caseload overages, among other topics. I think this level of distress is endemic of the overall stressors that are impacting education. Ruben and I wanted you to know that we see and feel it at the macro level as we engage members one-on-one to help them with their challenges.
I’ve written this before, but I want to stress this again: don’t toil and struggle alone. Work with your department, your grade level teams, and your fellow support colleagues. They are most likely also struggling to keep all of their situations from escalating. I can relate to a professional juggler more than I can to most people I know. Teachers are the best professional jugglers in the world, and we make it look easy most of the time, but that doesn’t mean that the pressure is not having an impact on us personally. I worry constantly about the impact this pressure has on teachers and nurses.
We are a profession of overachievers who got into education because we saw that there was a path to making a difference, and in all cases, we do at some level. However, the hardest lesson to learn is that there are situations or student circumstances that are beyond our control or skills. This realization at some point in your career is the most critical and pivotal time you will have as an educator. The challenge of finding solace is that you’ve given your students your best efforts but understanding that if you stay up late grading and planning every night, it will have adverse effects on your physical and mental health.
In short, I want to remind you all that this is the first leg in a long marathon. All these mandates to get our classroom scores into the stratosphere are well-intentioned, but they need to be realized in the context of reality. People have a finite amount of time and energy. Choose how you use that energy….that might mean that you go deep into a topic rather than speeding through a wide variety of curricular topics. Monitor your students because they are feeling the same pressures of pace and depth. If you have the time one of these days, I hope you read Article 5 in our contract on the topic of Academic Freedoms. This article is the lifeline of every teacher, as it allows us to be human in our classrooms, adjusting to the speed, depth, and variety of tools and means to deliver our curriculum. Variety can keep you healthy overall, just as it can in your personal lives. Change it up if you need to keep it fresh. We have to make choices as we all strive to find our personal balance. An insightful teacher told me today that the reason the classroom seems fresh to her every year is that she never knows what kinds of students she will get from year to year. What a nice way to put how she sees her career and how the variety sustains her desire to continue teaching.
Hang in there…
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
A UNION OF EDUCATORS AND CLASSIFIED PROFESSIONALS
Inside California Education launches sixth season – Inside California Education is launching its sixth season with a new crop of in-depth coverage of California’s public education system. The new season continues their great work, featuring innovative programs and inspiring educators across the state in our K-12 schools and community colleges. Episodes are on KVIE and PBS stations throughout California. They can also be viewed on the Inside California Education website.
New book by Randi Weingarten: Why Fascists Fear Teachers
On September 16 AFT President Randi Weingarten’s hard-hitting new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy, will hit book stores and online stores throughout the country. The book is a rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy. Drawing on history, Weingarten includes powerful stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America’s public schools, to present a compelling case that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. For more information, and for a link to pre-order the book, click here.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Teachers sue over Trump's immigration crackdown, citing student absences
Two major US teacher unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, along with educators from Oregon, are suing the Trump administration over its immigration enforcement policies, specifically challenging the decision to allow arrests near school campuses. The lawsuit argues that this action terrorizes children and teachers, leading to decreased student attendance and participation, with some students dropping out. This action is considered a violation of the law and a departure from a nearly three-decade-old policy that designated schools, hospitals, and places of worship as "sensitive locations" to be avoided by immigration agents. Instances cited include masked agents making arrests near schools, even on private property, causing school lockdowns and student anxiety. Educators report increased fear among immigrant students and parents, affecting special education enrollment and English language learner classes. The legal challenge asserts that these policy changes violate the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
----- EDUCATIONAL FUNDING -----
Judges block rule barring undocumented children from Head Start
A Trump administration policy that would exclude some immigrants from federal programs, including Head Start, has been blocked in two separate cases by federal judges in Washington and Rhode Island. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez in Seattle, at the request of Head Start associations in several states, issued a nationwide injunction, barring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from enforcing the new immigration-related restrictions anywhere in the United States. The ruling followed one from a different federal judge in Rhode Island, in a separate case by 21 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia, that halted the policy from being implemented within their own states. Martinez in Thursday's ruling said HHS failed to follow necessary rulemaking requirements, adding: "Congress has operated with the 1998 HHS interpretation for years and has not included immigration status as criterion but instead widened eligibility to remove enrollment barriers." The U.S. Supreme Court recently restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, but Martinez said one was necessary in this case because some providers have preschools in multiple states, including programs designed to serve migrant farmworker families.
Boston Globe Chalkbeat K-12 Dive Reuters
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Critical injuries reported in Denver school shooting
Two students were critically injured following a shooting at Evergreen High School in the Denver metro area on Wednesday. According to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, a total of three minors were hospitalized, including the suspected shooter, who was injured by a self-inflicted gunshot wound and later died. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said: “Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear,” expressing concern for the victims and the community. U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) expressed her shock and heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to ensure the safety of children. Evergreen High School is part of the Jefferson Public School District, which also includes Columbine High School, the site of a school shooting in 1999 that was one of the deadliest in the United States at the time. “We cannot pretend this is just another tragic incident,” Superintendent Tracy Dorland said in a statement on Wednesday night. “The pain of this incident reopens old wounds.”
Chicago Public Schools prepares for immigration crackdown
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) parents and teachers are concerned about potential increased immigration enforcement by the Trump administration, including the deployment of National Guard troops. Brenda Rivera, a CPS parent leader, expressed her sadness, adding: “Families will keep their kids at home out of fear for their safety.” Interim CPS chief executive Macquline King reassured families that “school is still the best, safest place for students.” The Chicago Teachers Union is distributing flyers to inform families of their rights, while President Stacy Davis Gates suggested remote learning as an option. State Superintendent Tony Sanders emphasized that all students deserve to feel safe in schools, asserting his belief that public schools "should be safe havens.” Gov. JB Pritzker has indicated plans to legally challenge any military deployment in the city.
President Trump pushes for prayer in schools
President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the U.S. Department of Education will soon release guidance on "protecting the right to prayer" in schools. The initiative aims to reinforce existing rights for students amidst ongoing debates about the church-state divide. During a Religious Liberty Commission meeting, Trump emphasized the need to defend religious beliefs, commenting: “As president, I will always defend our nation's glorious heritage, and we will protect the Judeo-Christian principles of our founding, and we will protect them with vigor. We have to bring back religion in America, bring it back stronger than ever before.” He also highlighted a perceived rise in anti-Christian sentiment and referenced a recent violent incident at a Catholic school. While the guidance will clarify that students can pray voluntarily, it will not permit school-sponsored prayer. The Education Department has previously stated that teachers cannot lead prayers or compel student participation, maintaining a distinction between teaching about religion and devotional practices.
USA Today Al.com Politico Education Week News
U.S. Education Department publishes 2024 NAEP results
Results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveal a concerning decline in high school seniors' reading and math scores, with many students now performing below the basic mastery level. Matthew Soldner, acting commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, described the findings as “sobering,” emphasizing the need for focused action to improve student learning. The data shows that only 35% of 12th graders met the college readiness benchmark in reading, down from 37% in 2019, and 33% in math, also a decline from 37%. Additionally, absenteeism among seniors has increased, with 31% reporting missing three or more days of school in the previous month. NAEP exams are given to representative samples of students across the country, and are considered more challenging than the state standardized tests that public schools prepare students for. They also offer one of the few nationally comparable snapshots of student performance, in a country where much education policy is set at the local level. Lesley Muldoon, executive director of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the testing, noted that “students are taking their next steps in life with fewer skills and less knowledge in core academics than their predecessors a decade ago.” Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said: “The lesson is clear. Success isn’t about how much money we spend, but who controls the money and where that money is invested.”
Education Week News Los Angeles Times New York Times
InsideHigherEd.com
Sept. 9, 2025
Trump Administration Takes Next Step in Dismantling ED
The Trump administration has taken another step toward dismantling the Department of Education, creating a new integrated “state plan portal” that will allow the Department of Labor to jointly administer adult education programs with ED.
The portal, announced Monday, will be used to execute key programs outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Funding for these programs, which has historically been managed by ED, will be transferred to the DOL—along with staff members needed to support the programs.
It’s a move that Trump officials say will “position DOL as the centralized hub for federal workforce programs.”
“To prepare our next generation of American workers, the Trump Administration is taking decisive action to streamline unnecessary bureaucracy and advance the skills needed to fill jobs of the future,” Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a news release.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon added that she is “confident that the Department of Labor is well positioned to cooperatively administer, implement, and streamline these critical career and adult education programs.”
President Trump signed an executive order in March directing McMahon to close down her department “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law.” Later that month the secretary laid off nearly half the staff. Then, in June, court documents revealed that she intended to continue carrying out the president's orders by handing over certain career and technical education programs to Labor.
Career and technical education advocates and higher education experts have sounded the alarm, warning that moving these programs could diminish their quality and hasten the demise of the Education Department.
“Donald Trump and Linda McMahon are continuing their attempts to illegally dismantle the Department of Education—and they are risking critical career and technical and adult education programs,” Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Tammy Baldwin, and Democratic Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro said in a statement. “Linda McMahon and Donald Trump need to follow the plain text of the law—period. Republicans should join us in insisting that the laws we pass get followed—and to stand up for students and families nationwide in the face of this administration’s continued attacks on our public education system.”
----- STATE NEWS -----
California's automatic college admission bill passes
California State Senator Christopher Cabaldon’s legislation, SB 640, to automatically admit qualifying high school seniors to California State University has passed its final vote and is now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. This initiative aims to simplify the transition from high school to college, as Cabaldon stated, “Direct admission removes the applications hurdle that stops some students from going to college.” The bill builds on successful local programs and aims to reverse declining enrollments at several campuses. Notably, a pilot program in Riverside County saw a significant increase in paperwork completion among students offered admission. Several key figures, including Senate Education Committee Chair Sasha Renée Pérez co-author the legislation.
California's charter school fraud fight stalls
The legislative session in California is nearing its end, and the fate of two contentious bills, AB 84 and SB 414, aimed at combating charter school fraud, hangs in the balance. These bills emerged after statewide investigations highlighted the need for stronger safeguards against fraud that has cost the public education system hundreds of millions. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi's AB 84 is backed by teachers' unions, while SB 414, introduced by Sen. Angelique Ashby, has the support of charter advocates. Despite negotiations resolving 80%-90% of issues, key sticking points remain, with Attorney Jerry Simmons stating: “the things that are left to negotiate over are essentially what I would call red lines for both labor and charter schools.” As the deadline approaches, a fallback bill, SB 494, has been introduced to extend a moratorium on new charter petitions, allowing more time for resolution. David Patterson, co-founder of the California Charter Authorizing Professionals, expressed hope that any enacted bill could lead to future discussions on high-quality authorizing practices.
California loses vital special education funds
California is set to lose approximately $3.5m in federal grants for special education teacher preparation due to the U.S. Department of Education's cancellation of over two dozen programs. The cuts, effective October 1st, target initiatives that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion, which the department claims conflict with its focus on merit and excellence. Scott Rudolph, a special education advocate, said: "The impact (of the cuts) is going to be a less equipped teaching force and a decline in the tangible supports for these students." The cancellations include $2.3m for special education training programs and a $1.2m grant for rehabilitative services, further exacerbating the shortage of qualified special education teachers in California.
California's food crisis hits hard
California is grappling with a severe food crisis, with one in four households in Los Angeles County facing food insecurity. Grocery bills have surged to over $1,200 monthly, forcing parents to compromise on nutrition. Assembly Bill 1264, intended to ban ultra-processed foods, ironically threatens access to over 70% of grocery items, including nutritious staples. Elianna Friedman, Program Director at Together We Thrive Food Bank, warned that "AB 1264 doesn’t build on that success. It undercuts it." The bill could lead to further restrictions on food assistance programs, disproportionately affecting low-income families. Friedman advocates for policies that enhance access to fresh produce and strengthen food assistance, urging lawmakers to reject AB 1264 in favor of solutions that ensure every child is nourished and healthy.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Temecula school board takes a stand
During a recent meeting on September 9, the Temecula USD school board unanimously voted to safeguard the privacy of students, particularly regarding shared spaces like restrooms and locker rooms. The board's 5-0 decision aims to provide options for parents seeking privacy accommodations for their children who are uncomfortable sharing facilities with transgender classmates. Kristen Weaver addressed the board, emphasizing the importance of these accommodations. The board's actions reflect a commitment to balancing privacy concerns with inclusivity in schools.
Financial warning for Pasadena schools
Saman Bravo-Karimi, Chief Business Officer of Pasadena USD, presented the 2024-25 Unaudited Actuals financial data to the Board of Education, revealing a significant structural deficit of approximately $30m. He emphasized that the true financial status is reflected in the operating deficit of $27.3m when excluding fire-related revenues. “It's the latter numbers that exclude those fire revenues and expenditures that give the truest picture of our financial status,” Bravo-Karimi stated. The district's ongoing financial struggles stem from declining enrollment, the end of one-time COVID-19 relief funds, and rising costs. A fiscal stabilization plan must be submitted to the Los Angeles County Office of Education alongside the budget due to these challenges. The final audit results will be presented in December or January, concluding last year's financial review.
Fresno USD rebrands DEI department
Fresno USD has renamed its Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to the Department of Culture and Student Inclusion. This change, confirmed by a district spokesperson, is part of a broader reorganization led by Superintendent Misty Her aimed at enhancing student achievement. While the rebranding comes amid national scrutiny of DEI efforts due to federal pressure, district leaders assert that it is not a direct response to such influences. Carlos Castillo, the new chief academic officer, emphasized that the “core mission and efforts” surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a priority. Trustee Elizabeth Jonasson Rosas noted that these changes aim to streamline programs for better student service.
----- WORKFORCE ----
California to revamp teacher tests
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is set to reassess and replace many standardized licensure tests for teachers. This decision follows a trend where fewer candidates opt for written tests due to the acceptance of coursework and degrees as proof of readiness. The commission's agenda states: "This shift warrants a deliberate review of each exam’s validity, utility and role in maintaining coherence across the licensure system." Additionally, the report highlights racial and ethnic disparities in passing rates, prompting the need for changes to eliminate barriers for aspiring teachers. The commission plans to replace several existing tests, including the California Basic Educational Skills Test, with new examinations that meet updated standards.
EdSource.org September 9, 2025
Teacher optimism improves, but that isn’t stopping them from leaving
Educator optimism has improved since the pandemic, with less concern about burnout and mental health, according to the 2025 Educator Confidence Report released Tuesday by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a curriculum provider.
Nearly half of the 1,005 teachers and just over half of the 150 administrators surveyed said they felt somewhat or very positive about the state of their professions. Only 35% of educators felt confident about their profession last year.
Although teachers are concerned about decreased school funding, they are reporting improved student academic growth, according to the report produced by MarketCast.
This year, educators listed their top concern as decreased funding and support for education. Last year, the educators surveyed listed low salaries as their top concern. Educators are also concerned about mental health issues among fellow educators, like burnout, anxiety and depression, although 7% fewer have those concerns than last year.
Despite the uptick in confidence among educators, a quarter of the teachers and 36% of the administrators surveyed say they plan to leave the profession in the next five years.
Teachers also weighed in on their use of technology in the classrooms, with a majority reporting that technology gave them more time to engage with students and increased student success. Despite the benefits, half of the teachers expressed concern about the potential misuse of technology and its ability to distract students.
The study also found that more teachers are using AI than they were two years ago and that most feel confident using it as a classroom tool. Despite that, less than half say they feel confident preparing students for an AI-driven world, according to the report.
Almost 90% of the teachers surveyed said that AI users should be taught to use it ethically, and the same number said they were open to more AI training.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Transitional kindergarten faces potty training challenges
California's transitional kindergarten (TK) is seeing an influx of four-year-olds, but many are not fully potty-trained, creating challenges for educators. With varying approaches to toilet training across districts, public schools cannot mandate that students be potty-trained. Many educators are untrained in toileting support, leading to a reliance on verbal guidance and parental involvement when accidents occur. Patricia Lozano from Early Edge California emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for districts. David Goldberg, president of the California Teachers Association, remarked: "Teachers across the state, in their unions, are fighting and advocating for more resources for our youngest students."
Transitional Kindergarten program expands access
California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program is expanding, making free early learning accessible to every four-year-old in the state. This year, 90% of parents expressed interest in enrolling their children in TK, highlighting its importance for family financial stability. However, barriers remain, as one-third of eligible parents are unsure about their qualification for the program. Experts from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood emphasize the need for better communication and outreach to ensure families are informed. "Parents want TK, and prioritizing awareness and accessibility is crucial," they state. Challenges such as limited hours and transportation issues further complicate access, underscoring the necessity for equitable solutions that meet diverse family needs.
----- MISC -----
Smithsonian's history under scrutiny
High school history teacher Katharina Matro relies on the Smithsonian Institution for trustworthy educational materials, especially for sensitive topics like genocide and slavery. However, with the White House's review aimed at aligning the Smithsonian's content with President Trump's vision of American history, Matro expresses concern, stating, “We don’t want a partisan history.” The review could significantly impact how history is taught nationwide, as the Smithsonian is a key provider of educational resources. Critics fear that the changes may lead to a sanitized version of history, neglecting darker aspects of the nation's past. Despite these challenges, educators like Tina Ellsworth emphasize the importance of navigating political influences in teaching social studies. As the landscape of educational resources shifts, many teachers remain committed to providing comprehensive historical context, regardless of the Smithsonian's direction.
----- LEGAL -----
Supreme Court rejects effort to block trans student’s use of school bathroom
On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court denied South Carolina's request to pause a federal appeals court injunction that allows a 9th-grade transgender boy, identified as John Doe, to use restrooms consistent with his gender identity. The court's decision, which was not a ruling on the case's merits, reflects ongoing national discussions about transgender rights in schools. The three dissenters in the case were justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel A. Alito Jr., and Neil M. Gorsuch. The injunction was granted by the 4th Circuit Court, which ruled that schools must permit trans students to use restrooms aligned with their gender identity under Title IX and the 14th Amendment. Doe's legal team argued that the injunction is crucial for his well-being, commenting: “no student has ever complained about sharing a boys' restroom with John.” The court's action comes amid a growing national debate over trans rights in schools and at a time when the Supreme Court is receiving more appeals over the matter. In its new term that begins next month, it will hear arguments in two cases involving trans students' participation in girls' and women's athletics.
Politico Politico Education Week News
HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
West Coast Health Alliance boosts vaccination access
The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington have formed the West Coast Health Alliance to enhance vaccination access amid rising COVID-19 cases. Hawaii has also joined the initiative. The alliance aims to provide unified guidance on immunizations as federal vaccine recommendations evolve. "Changes at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services have created uncertainty in the public health landscape," stated the California Department of Public Health. UC Berkeley School of Public Health professor Arthur Reingold emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting it will help restore trust in vaccination efforts. The alliance seeks to ensure that healthcare providers can administer vaccines without financial barriers, addressing concerns about access for those with limited health coverage.
----- INTERNATIONAL -----
New initiative aims to address literacy crisis in South Africa
South Africa’s education system is under scrutiny, following the release of statistics revealing a deepening literacy crisis among young learners. In the latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, South Africa was ranked last out of 57 countries, generating grave concerns not just for educators but for society as a whole. The figures reveal that approximately 65% of households with children under the age of 10 do not own a single children's book, raising critical alarms about literacy resources available to the most vulnerable sections of the population. “Our education system was designed around English and Afrikaans. But the majority of children speak African languages. Despite this, we continue to apply reading methods never meant for isiXhosa, isiZulu, or Sesotho, and outcomes suffer,” commented Dr Naledi Mbude-Mehana from the Department of Basic Education. To address this, the department has developed a new mother tongue-based bilingual literacy strategy, which aims support children in learning their home language while gradually introducing English, a shift that acknowledges the need for cultural and linguistic relevance in education.
NTA Life – Protecting What Matters Most
At NTA Life, we’re here to give you extra peace of mind with supplemental benefits that provide tax-free financial support directly to you or your loved ones. Our programs are designed to complement your major medical insurance, helping cover expenses like deductibles, co-pays, and those unexpected costs that arise during an illness or injury.
We proudly offer a wide range of benefits, including:
• Cancer coverage with Return of Premium (available late September)
• Heart coverage with Return of Premium
• Hospital coverage
• Accident coverage
• Disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Specified disease coverage with Return of Premium after 20 years
The best part? Most of our plans are guaranteed renewable for life, meaning you can keep them even if you switch districts or retire.
We are grateful for our strong partnership with ABCFT and remain committed to supporting and serving the incredible educators in your community.
For more information, please reach out anytime to:
• Shannon Donovan – 714-727-8261 | mailto:Shannon.donovan@horacemann.com
• Julene McBride – 562-665-3216 | mailto:Julene.mcbride@horacemann.com
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