Policy Priorities
Our Approach
EdVoice is committed to advocating for legislation that aligns with our sister organization EdVoice Institute’s policy agenda to reshape California’s public education system by 2040, as well as the following criteria:
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Scale of impact on children from low-income communities
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Availability of quality research, case studies, or other evidence to support recommendations
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Feasibility of successful implementation
Policy Priorities for 2026
Big policy change takes persistence. While not every priority may cross the finish line this year, we are confident we will make meaningful progress toward lasting impact.
1. Evidence-Based Numeracy Instruction
Math proficiency is essential for long-term success in school, career, and life—yet too many of California’s students aren’t performing at grade level. The state ranks 43rd nationally in fourth-grade math proficiency, and just 26% of California’s K-12 low-income students are meeting grade-level math standards. This is why EdVoice is sponsoring SB 1067 (Weber Pierson), a bill that would require all K-2 students to be screened for early math difficulties and provided evidence-based interventions if additional support is needed.
2. High-Quality, Diverse Educators
Teachers are the most important school-based factor in student success, yet too many California students—especially Black, Latino, and low-income students—are taught by underqualified teachers. California has a strong program in place called the Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) that provides financial incentives for qualified teachers to teach in high-needs schools. The program is scheduled to end this year. EdVoice is leading the California Teachers Matter coalition’s advocacy efforts to expand state funding.
3. Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction
The Governor proposed an additional $40 million in the 2026 state budget for more professional development to support the rollout of universal screening for reading difficulties—a bill EdVoice was critical in passing. We are actively lobbying the Legislature to help ensure the $40 million is included in the final budget.
4. Accountability, Continual Learning, and Collaboration
California’s fragmented educational governance structure is a barrier to student achievement. EdVoice strongly endorses Governor Newsom’s proposal to consolidate oversight of the California Department of Education under the State Board of Education to create clearer accountability and more consistent support across the state’s 1,000+ school districts.
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