Latine students, families share what they want from California schools

Latine students make up more than half of California’s K-12 public school population, but the perspectives of this group and their families are underrepresented in research and policy conversations. The report What California’s Latine Students, Families and Communities Want From and For Their Schools, published under the umbrella of Stanford University’s Getting Down to Facts research project, takes a qualitative approach to the subject.

COE leaders hear inspiring stories and practices to serve and support students at CSBA Counties Conference

During the 2026 CSBA Counties Conference Sept. 25-27 at the Marina del Rey Marriott, county offices of education convened to share ideas and learn about initiatives taking place throughout the state, showcasing the leaders’ commitment to lifelong learning.

Governor signs final two CSBA-sponsored bills, completing enactment of all four measures sent to his desk

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 27 signed the final two CSBA-sponsored bills awaiting action on his desk, approving legislation that will give schools greater flexibility to maintain classroom continuity during teacher shortages and reduce duplicative administrative reporting requirements. With the signing of Assembly Bill 2490 (Valencia) and AB 2496 (Solache), all four CSBA-sponsored measures that reached the Governor in 2026 have now been signed into law.

Experts call for stronger procurement of AI and better measurement of how it impacts student learning

Most artificial intelligence (AI) tools in K-12 classrooms are still judged by adoption, engagement and how much time they save educators, rather than the impact they have on teaching and learning, according to a Sept. 16 panel discussion hosted by Brisk Teaching, a platform that provides educators with AI-driven tools.

Study examines breakdowns in communication between schools and the public, offers suggestions for improvement

The experience a parent or community member has when they call the main office, complete a registration form, ask a transportation question, navigate a website or portal, raise a concern, request language access or any number of other interactions shapes the way they feel about their school or district.

Survey results show bipartisan, widespread support for regulation of AI in classrooms

In a time of extreme fragmentation, the majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, agree on one thing, according to survey data from The Century Foundation: They want stronger governmental regulation on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology in K-12 schools.

CSBA files lawsuit challenging state’s withholding of $3.9B in Proposition 98 school funding

CSBA extended its historical leadership position in education funding advocacy by filing a lawsuit on Sept. 22 against the State of California challenging the withholding of $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 education funding under the 2026–27 State Budget.

Examining the effectiveness of outcomes-based contracting in school districts

Between August 2024 and March 2026, WestEd, in collaboration with The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting, carried out a mixed methods evaluation of eight early adopter school districts located in California, Florida, Mississippi and Texas that implemented tutoring or educational technology interventions under outcomes-based contracting (OBC) agreements. The findings, detailed in a report published in July, cover associated student outcomes, district spending, the impact of OBC on district-provider relationships and more.