News Briefs | FYI
May 11, 2026
Tribal regalia OK for grad ceremonies
As graduation season approaches, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Attorney General Rob Bonta are reminding school leaders about students’ rights to wear Tribal regalia and adornments at graduation ceremonies,
As amended, California Education Code Section 35183.1 allows students to wear traditional Tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment at graduation ceremonies or related school events.
In the letter to school leaders, Thurmond and Bonta explain the rights named in Section 35183.1 while also encouraging schools to implement policies that embrace culturally inclusive ceremonies and preserve the rights of Native students. Specifically, the amendments extend a student’s authorization to wear an adornment to school events that are related to graduation and clarify that what constitutes recognized objects of religious or cultural significance is to be determined by the student and the student’s family.
“This year, as many students walk across the commencement stage, they’ll use their regalia to carry their family heritage with them,” Bonta said. “I urge all educators to embrace these actions and uphold policies that preserve the rights of Native students and promote inclusivity — California law requires it.”
The amendments also prohibit an LEA from requiring a preapproval process for a student to exercise their rights to wear an adornment and to wear a cap if the cap is incompatible with the adornment. The definition of adornment has also been revised to mean something attached to, worn with, or worn in place of the cap.
Read the full letter to LEAs at www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr26ltr0423.asp.
IES toolkit helps to differentiate reading in grades K-3
The Institute of Education Sciences has released the toolkit for Differentiating Reading Instruction for Grades K-3. The toolkit is designed to promote change in teacher practice and student outcomes by focusing on how to differentiate tier 1 reading instruction.
The toolkit includes:
- A teacher self‑reflection checklist and action plan to help teachers assess alignment with evidence‑based guidance, reflect on changes in their instructional practice, and identify next steps for continued professional learning.
- Three professional development modules for kindergarten through grade 3 teachers, organized by grade bands (K–1 and 2–3), with Participant Guides, classroom videos, and activities that support collaboration, practice, and reflection on differentiated instruction.
- Facilitator resources, including a Facilitator Guide, to support team meetings and provide ongoing assistance as teachers engage with the modules and implement differentiated instruction.
- Leader resources for principals and district leaders, including a Leader Guide aligned with the professional development modules to support long‑term implementation and sustainability.
FYI
Nominate an outstanding HR leader for Curry award
Each year, ACSA recognizes an outstanding human resources or personnel administrator with the Ray Curry Award. The award will be presented during this year’s Personnel & Negotiations Symposium on Sept. 16-18 in Irvine. The award presentation is a part of the Council of Human Resources Leaders’ ongoing efforts to recognize human resource/personnel administrators, specifically those who most reflect the ideals, character, commitment, and dedication to the field of human resources or personnel administrators, as exemplified by Ray Curry. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2026 award. For criteria and details on how to make a nomination, visit acsa.org/raycurryaward. The deadline to submit a nomination is Aug. 3.
Explore personal finance curriculum at summer camp
Next Gen Personal Finance is bringing FinCamps to 25 cities nationwide this summer, including four in California: San Francisco (June 11), San Diego (June 16), Los Angeles (June 18), and Sacramento (July 28). FinCamp is a full day of in-person professional development where teachers get to experience the NGPF curriculum as a student, strengthen personal finance knowledge, and leave with concrete strategies for the upcoming year. It’s also a great opportunity to network with other personal finance teachers. FinCamps are completely free, with breakfast and lunch included, and this year, attendees will receive a $100 stipend. California teachers will also earn seven hours towards the 20 hours needed to receive the $500 PD stipend from NGPF. Attendees also have the option to earn three graduate credits through Bridgewater State University. Save your seat at www.ngpf.org/fincamps.