Gov. Newsom Signs Law Rewriting the Rules on K-8 Reading Instruction

November 12, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed landmark legislation, Assembly Bill 1454, that fundamentally reforms reading instruction for elementary and middle school students throughout the state. The law mandates adoption of new teaching materials and methods based on the "science of reading" approach, backed by a $200 million budget allocation for teacher training and educational resources. This reform emerged after years of negotiations among various education stakeholders who previously disagreed on instructional approaches, finally reaching compromise in April.

Who is affected

K-8 students across California, particularly 1.6 million students in kindergarten through third grade
Black and Latino students (75% of K-3 enrollment), who face disproportionate literacy challenges
English learners (34% of K-3 students)
Students from low-income communities (63% of K-3 enrollment)
California teachers and school leaders receiving new training
California Teachers Association (CTA) and English learner advocacy groups (stakeholder organizations)
Black Parent Network members and advocates like Tonya Craft-Perry

What action is being taken

The state is implementing new instructional materials aligned with evidence-based reading instruction
$200 million in budget funding is being provided for professional development and teacher training
Early literacy instruction is being integrated into teacher credentialing and curriculum development
$250,000 is being allocated to support guidance for adopting new instructional materials
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and his office are working to secure additional investments for long-term statewide literacy strategies

Why it matters

This legislation addresses a critical educational crisis where California ranks 33rd nationally in fourth-grade reading proficiency, 39th out of 42 states for Black students, and 38th out of 48 for English learners. Strong literacy skills serve as the foundation for all academic success, and the current disparities particularly harm Black and Latino students, potentially contributing to what advocates call the "school-to-prison pipeline." By adopting evidence-based reading instruction methods already implemented in one-third of states, California aims to close achievement gaps and ensure students develop not just reading and writing abilities, but critical thinking, research, and comprehension skills essential for future success.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint