California is getting closer to passing a new law that could change how schools teach reading across the state. This big change comes after more than a year of difficult talks between different education groups. The law is known as Assembly Bill 1454 (AB 1454) and could have a major impact on reading instruction in schools.
What the New Law Proposes
If passed, AB 1454 would:
- Encourage schools to offer teacher training based on the latest reading research (often called the “science of reading”).
- Provide a list of approved materials that schools can choose from to teach reading more effectively.
- Require training for new school leaders so they understand how to support good reading instruction in classrooms.
This law passed the California State Assembly on June 5. Now, it needs approval from the State Senate before becoming official.
Why This Matters
This is Breaking News in the world of education because California is the most populated state in the U.S. with over 2.6 million elementary school students. The state has had a mixed history with teaching reading. Back in the 1980s, California supported a method called “whole language”, which focused on letting children read naturally by being surrounded by books. However, that method didn’t work for many students, and over the years, the state has gone back and forth between different styles of teaching reading.
The Science of Reading Movement
Across the country, over 30 states have already passed laws that require schools to use reading methods based on science. These include phonics, which teaches kids how letters sound and how they form words. California has tried to do the same, but has faced strong opposition from teachers’ unions and groups that support English learners.
These groups argued that past proposals focused too much on phonics and didn’t include enough support for students learning English. They also worried that mandatory teacher training would be too hard for schools to handle.
Now, AB 1454 represents a compromise between both sides.
Key Points About the New Reading Bill
- Training Is Encouraged, Not Required
Schools are not forced to use certain materials or attend training. However, the bill encourages them by offering state-approved resources and funding. - Funding Is a Big Incentive
Governor Gavin Newsom has set aside $200 million in his proposed budget to help schools train teachers and leaders. If schools don’t use the money for this purpose, it goes back to the state. - Focus on English Learners
The law ensures that English learners are included in the reading plans. Materials and training must match California’s English/Language Arts and English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework. - Broad but Vague Rules
Some education experts worry the law is not detailed enough. For example, it doesn’t clearly define what “evidence-based” means or exactly which programs are considered high-quality.
What Experts and Advocates Are Saying
Some experts are hopeful but cautious. Claude Goldenberg, an education professor from Stanford, said the bill gives school districts too much freedom, which might result in no real changes.
On the other hand, supporters like Megan Potente from Decoding Dyslexia California are optimistic. She said, “It’s always about how the law is carried out. We hope everyone involved—from teachers to school leaders—gets the help they need.”
Teachers’ unions were glad the final bill wasn’t too strict. Tristan Brown from the California Federation of Teachers explained that they wanted flexibility so teachers could try different methods to help kids learn.
What Happens Next?
The bill still needs to pass the State Senate, and even then, details about training programs and approved reading materials will be decided by the State Board of Education.
Martha Hernandez, who leads Californians Together, wants to make sure English learners are at the center of this plan. Others, like Yolie Flores of Families in Schools, hope this bill will finally push schools to use strong, research-backed ways to teach reading.
In today’s Daily news highlights, this story shows how California may finally be ready to move forward with smarter, science-based reading instruction. While the path hasn’t been easy, this new bill could help schools improve reading for all students—especially those who struggle the most.
Education watchers across the U.S. are keeping an eye on California. What happens here could influence how other states think about reading instruction in the future.
