Education Today
Posted inSpecial Issues

Education Today 2026

A new after-school program for some Santa Maria-Bonita schools and the state’s new on-campus cellphone rules
by Sun Staff

Aug. 13 is the first day of school for Santa Maria Valley students, which can mean so many things—a new school, new friends, new subjects to be interested in. For some local youth, it will also mean the chance to participate in a new after-school program with Think Together. For our annual Education Today issue, […]

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Think Together marks county debut with revamped after-schooling on 13 campuses

Avatar photo by Caleb Wiseblood

When mid-August rolls around, a new group will lead after-school activities at 13 schools—nine elementary schools and four middle schools—in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD). The new arrangement for the 2026-27 school year marks Think Together’s first time serving schools in Santa Barbara County. But the statewide nonprofit’s local ties don’t start there. Longtime […]

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California’s Phone-Free School Act took effect in July, but local parents want uniform enforcement

Avatar photo by Bulbul Rajagopal

Two years after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act, kids in California are about to find out the effects of the bill once they return from summer break. By July 1, 2026, every school district, county office of education, and charter school had to develop and adopt policies to limit on-campus smartphone use. […]

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Education Today 2025

Local nonprofits expand students’ garden-to-table education, county ed offices look at more than state assessments
by Sun Staff

Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth want students to take another look at vegetables, especially the bland yet divisive cauliflower. “Getting to grow it in the garden, it’s like this little baby that they get to check on every so often,” Explore Ecology Garden Program Director Genevieve Schwanbeck said. For our Education Today issue, Senior […]

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Explore Ecology and One Cool Earth show Central Coast students the value of a garden-to-table lifestyle

Avatar photo by Caleb Wiseblood

Reading. Writing. Arithmetic. Cauliflower.  Alongside the three Rs, growing minds are learning the ins and outs of growing food at local schools with gardening programs like Explore Ecology. “I think one of my favorite things to grow with kids is cauliflower, which may sound like one of those vegetables that a lot of times they’ve […]

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Central Coast county education offices look at metrics beyond the California Smarter Balanced assessment for student success

Avatar photo by Bulbul Rajagopal

Ten years ago, a new computer-based test for California students replaced the paper-reliant standardizing testing and reporting program. Called the Smarter Balanced assessments, the tests measure third through eighth graders’ and 11th graders’ knowledge of the state’s English language arts and math standards. Students served by the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO)—those who can’t […]

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Education Today 2024

Schools in need: School districts across North County ask voters to approve bond measures in November
Avatar photo by Taylor O'Connor and Libbey Hanson

School is about to be back in session for the 2024-25 school year, which means summer is almost over—sad. But it also means a new school year for all of those students, new learning, new friends, new experiences—rad! For this year’s annual Education Today issue, Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor speaks with school districts that are […]

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Bond, school bond

School districts countywide are asking voters to approve funds for campus upgrades, new schools and classrooms
by Taylor O'Connor

Santa Maria-Bonita In the 2023-24 school year, Santa Maria-Bonita School District had more than 17,000 students enrolled in its 17 elementary schools, four junior high schools, and one combined elementary and junior high.  By 2029-30, the district expects more than 18,000 enrolled students, not accounting for students who might come from housing projects currently in […]

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Combating stigma

CAPSLO’s Teen Wellness Program is increasing efforts in high schools to address student mental health
Avatar photo by Libbey Hanson

Help out CAPSLO is hiring 50 student ambassadors for both SLO and Santa Barbara counties for its Teen Wellness Program. Applicants must be 13 to 18 years old and have an eagerness to address the mental health crisis. Ambassadors will dedicate three hours per week to the program.  To apply, visit forms.gle/rjs2Y63dqechTNC29. Since the COVID-19 […]

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Education Today 2023: Filling the gap

Avatar photo by Bulbul Rajagopal and Taylor O'Connor

With school starting, it’s time for the Sun’s annual Education Today issue. One of the most pressing issues in education—other than the remaining impacts of COVID-19—is a teacher shortage. But there’s a program on the Central Coast that’s aiming to do something about it. The Ticket 2 Teach program is all about learning on the job and helping potential educators make their way toward the certifications they need to teach in local schools. Staff Writer Bulbul Rajagopal from the Sun’s sister paper writes about it [6]. Also in this issue, read about a new club sport that your child can learn all about outside of school [7].

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Education Today 2022

by Sun Staff

Local students will be returning to campus later this month for the 2022-23 school year, and they’ll be met with a few changes. In our annual Education Today issue, we delve into those changes on the statewide and local levels. Staff Writer Taylor O’Connor talks with officials about how local school districts and community nonprofits […]

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Education Today 2021

by Sun Staff

It’s that time of year again: back to school time. And this year, kids actually get to start the year in classrooms! But due to COVID-19 lingering around like an unwanted guest, the state of California is requiring students to mask up while indoors on campus. For this year’s Education Today issue, New Times Assistant […]

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