New education laws that took effect on Jan 1 2025, aim improve students’ school experiences and provide clearer explanations of events, according to edsource.com
One of the most significant changes requires colleges to disclose all costs associated with attending their school. This includes both digital and physical textbooks, software subscriptions, and devices like calculators. By providing a complete breakdown of hidden expenses along with tuition, students and their families can better determine which colleges they can afford.
Another law allows children aged 12 and older who are on Medi-Cal to consent to mental health treatment both in and outside of school. This gives young people more control over their own healthcare decisions.
“The new law is about making sure all young people, regardless if they have private health insurance or are Medi-Cal recipients, have access to mental health resources,” said Assembly member Wendy Carrillo, D-Los Angeles, author of the bill.
Schools are also now required to teach about the causes, effects, and ways to adapt to climate change from 1st grade through 12th grade. While climate change has been covered in schools before, this law ensures that science teachers provide a more in-depth education on the topic.
Additionally, schools can no longer inform parents if they believe a student is transgender. Under the previous rules, school staff could notify parents if a student requested to be addressed by a different name or gender, which often violated the student’s privacy and put them at risk of conflict with their family.
Another change prohibits suspending students for “willful defiance” for the next five years. This includes actions like being intentionally disruptive or refusing to follow instructions. Students also cannot be suspended or expelled for being tardy or skipping class.
“I think having a rule that students aren’t able to be suspended for their behavior doesn’t really make sense,” Said sophomore Elle Lauer, “Especially because they intentionally are choosing to behave that way.”
This new rule has created challenges for teachers who struggle to manage disruptive behavior, as it limits their options for addressing such issues.
Overall, these laws bring both benefits and challenges. They enhance learning on important topics and protect students’ privacy, but they also create difficulties for teachers dealing with misbehavior, according to Lauer.
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