News Briefs | FYI
April 27, 2026
Schools to Watch recognizes excellence in middle schools
The 2026 California Schools to Watch list has been announced, celebrating excellence in middle grades education.
The list includes both newly designated and redesignated middle schools from throughout the state.
California’s STW program is coordinated by the California League of Middle Schools and the California Department of Education in association with the California Middle Grades Alliance and the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.
“Congratulations to each of these outstanding schools. Your commitment to academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong leadership sets the standard for middle-grades education,” said Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, chair of the California League of Middle Schools. “We are proud to recognize and celebrate the meaningful difference you make for students across California.”
To earn this designation, schools must submit a detailed application and host a site visit by middle-grades experts. Schools are re-evaluated every three years to retain their status.
Minimum eligibility requirements include:
- Public or charter schools that serve any combination of grades five through nine.
- A demonstrated commitment to equity and whole-child development, including support for students’ physical, mental, and social–emotional well-being.
- No civil rights violations or adult testing irregularities at the school site.
Selection is based on how well schools align with STW criteria. Designated STW schools serve as statewide models and offer mentorship and best practices to other schools that strive to improve outcomes for all young adolescents.
To view the full list of recognized schools and their profiles, including replicable practices, visit www.joinclms.org/stw-profiles.
The California Schools to Watch application for 2027 is now open for both new and redesignating schools.
“If your team is focused on serving young adolescents with intention and excellence, this is your opportunity to be recognized statewide and to join a respected nationwide network of middle-level educators,” Kedziora said.
To learn more and apply, visit www.joinclms.org/stw. Applications are due Oct. 1, 2026. For questions, contact Kedziora at 951-768-8686 or at kedziora@leagueofschools.org.
District receives national award for AI in education
Lynwood Unified School District has been named one of 12 school districts in the nation to receive the first Artificial Intelligence K–12 Student Agency Award, a national recognition honoring districts leading thoughtful, ethical and student-centered approaches to AI in education.
The award was presented at the Student and Community Voice AI Summit, held in March in Anaheim, where educators, students and school leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the future of AI in schools.
“This inaugural, nationwide recognition further highlights how Lynwood Unified is forward thinking, especially in the use of advanced technologies,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Gittisriboongul, in a news release. “We are preparing students early and responsibly so they are not left behind as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into college, careers and everyday life.”
The national recognition places Lynwood Unified among a small group of national leaders helping shape how AI can be used responsibly and effectively in education. The national recognition highlights the district’s Al Collaborative, which aligns with the district’s Vision 2030 initiative, and its commitment to preparing students for the future workforce and a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As part of this effort, the district expanded professional development for teachers, launched AI pilot classrooms, created a middle school AI after-school program and provided staff with access to AI tools to support instruction and operations.
In classrooms, students use AI to support research, writing, problem solving and critical thinking while also learning about ethics, bias and responsible use. The goal is to ensure students are not only proficient technology users, but also thinkers, creators and responsible decision makers.
Lynwood Unified’s approach to AI is focused on student voice and real-world problem solving. Students identify civic or community challenges that matter to them and use AI as a tool to research issues, develop ideas and create potential solutions. The program emphasizes that AI should support student thinking rather than replace it, maintaining creativity, inquiry and analysis at the center of learning.
Student reps visit D.C.
Last month, California’s student representatives for the 2026 U.S. Senate Youth Program participated in Washington Week to meet and learn from high-level appointed and elected government officials.
Cindy Chen, a senior in the Walnut Valley High School District, and Gabrielle Listana, a senior at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory, gained an in-depth view of the U.S. Senate and the federal government overall as well as a deeper understanding of the interrelationship of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
Pictured above from left are Cindy Chen, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and Gabrielle Listana.
NCTQ releases new framework for prep programs to address behavior challenges
Too many teachers enter the classroom without the tools they need to manage classroom behavior. More than half (52 percent) say managing student behavior is their top source of work-related stress, and 58 percent report addressing behavioral challenges in their classrooms on a daily basis. Despite this, many teacher preparation programs have left candidates underprepared for this fundamental challenge, and students, particularly those from marginalized communities, are paying the price.
This month, the National Council on Teacher Quality released the Classroom Management Framework: Foundations for Proactive and Respectful Practice in Elementary Classrooms, a new, evidence-based resource that identifies the specific knowledge and skills teacher preparation programs must equip aspiring teachers with so they can create the conditions for student engagement and inclusion, positive relationships, and academic success.
“Effective classroom management is the foundation for a classroom where every student can learn and belong,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske, in a news release. “Teacher preparation programs have both the opportunity and the responsibility to prepare candidates with these skills before they enter the classroom. This framework gives them a clear, research-backed roadmap to do exactly that.”
The NCTQ Classroom Management Framework organizes concrete actions teacher preparation programs can take under three evidence-based focus areas:
- Teaching candidates to understand their own behaviors, emotions, and cultures, as well as those of their students.
- Preparing candidates to establish clear expectations and structure the learning environment.
- Equipping candidates to respond to classroom behaviors.
The stakes for getting this right are significant. Poorly managed classrooms are prone to student disruptions. Lost minutes of instruction quickly translate into lost learning. Additionally, teachers who struggle with student behavior are more likely to leave the profession, and research shows teacher turnover harms student achievement.
Explore the framework at https://www.nctq.org/research-insights/classroom-management-framework.
FYI
Leaders wanted for survey on cell phones in schools
How are mobile devices impacting your school campuses? ACSA and the California County Superintendents Association invite you to participate in a landmark study on cellular phone policies in schools and have your voice heard on a pivotal issue in public schools. Dr. Angela Duckworth, author and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is leading the study Phones in Focus. This five-minute confidential survey will help identify how phone policies on campuses are impacting student learning and school culture. Participants will see instant national results, where you can compare your school and district with others, and be entered to win one of 10 $500 gift cards. Make your voice heard today at phonesinfocus.org.
Submit nominations for womens award by June 12
Nominations are now open for ACSA’s 2026 Exemplary Woman in Education Award, which will be presented at the 2026 Women in School Leadership Forum. ACSA is seeking nominations for an outstanding woman in educational leadership who demonstrate passion for the profession, a commitment to develop others and effective leadership in times of crisis. Nominees must be an ACSA member. Visit acsa.org/womensaward to submit your nomination by June 12, 2026.
Virtual literacy conference held June 16
The Sacramento and Napa COEs are pleased to announce the virtual California Literacy Conference: Everyone Has the Right to Read! Join teachers, administrators, LEAs, site colleagues, and partners on June 16 to learn about evidence-based literacy practices at this free event. Register at educationspeakersnetwork.com/california-literacy-2026.