public schools

The ethnic studies class was meant to focus on the cultures and histories of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Latinos. The state’s curriculum also encourages schools to add additional lessons based on their student populations, such as Hmong or Armenian.

After withholding roughly $900 million from California’s K-12 and adult schools, the U.S. Education Department said Friday that it will release the money starting next week. But schools must agree to certain conditions first.

A new school year is coming up quick, and some districts say their financial situation is shaky in the face of federal cuts.

Trump withheld about $7 billion in education funds for various school programs nationwide, including about $800 million for California.

President Trump cut AmeriCorps, laying off over 5,600 of California’s public service workers. Because of a lawsuit, the state’s program can restart, at least temporarily, but schools and disaster relief sites are still reeling from staffing shortages.

The federal ruling requires a way for parents to opt out on religious grounds. Oregon’s new law includes a similar provision but in a different context.

Every Oregon school district will have to adopt a policy prohibiting student cellphone use by Oct. 31. The policies must be in full effect by 2026.

California districts have not received Congressionally appropriated money for after school programs, academic enrichment, English-learner services, teacher professional development and migrant education.

The Legislature is considering phasing out chemical additives in school meals linked to health problems. Opponents say the definitions are so broad that it could ban items like tomato sauce and olive oil.

What you need to know about Senate Bill 141.

School districts that can’t pass construction bonds have few other options to fund needed building repairs.

Only 14 school districts and county offices of education have begun billing for behavioral health services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, according to state health officials.