FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SB 1067 Receives Unanimous Senate Approval
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
Early Math Screening and Intervention Bill Passes the California State Senate Unanimously
SB 1067, authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., with 21 bipartisan coauthors, would require K-2 universal math screening statewide, building on the momentum of California’s landmark early literacy screening policy
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California Senate voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 1067, legislation that would establish a statewide early math screening system for students in kindergarten through second grade. The bill would ensure that students struggling with foundational math skills are identified early and connected to targeted supports before falling too far behind. The vote marks a significant bipartisan milestone in the effort to address California’s persistent early math crisis.
The bill is co-authored by Senators Allen, Durazo, Grayson, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Rubio, and Wahab, and Assemblymembers Bains, Bonta, Bryan, Elhawary, Garcia, Hoover, Jackson, Papan, Quirk-Silva, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Schiavo, and Wilson.
SB 1067 builds on California’s recent investment in early literacy, where a comparable universal screening policy has already been implemented to catch and address reading challenges in young students. Established under SB 114, that policy will reach approximately 1.2 million K-2 students this school year. Research shows that early identification paired with targeted intervention can significantly improve students’ long-term outcomes.
The need for the same approach in math is well-documented. California students, particularly Black, Latino, and low-income students are falling behind at alarming rates. Just 37% of California students are currently performing at grade level in math, and the state ranks 43rd nationally in fourth-grade math proficiency.
“Passing SB 1067 out of the Senate unanimously sends a clear message that California is serious about giving every student a strong foundation in math,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “We know from both research and experience that the earlier we identify students who need support, the better their chances of catching up and thriving. This bill puts a practical, proven tool in the hands of teachers and schools. SB 1067 couldn’t have come at a more critical time for our kids.”
Experts are clear that screening is not an endpoint, but the first step in a comprehensive system of supports that includes effective teacher preparation, evidence-based instructional materials and training, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Supporters argue that a statewide screening system will help schools act earlier, use data more effectively, and keep parents informed — ultimately improving outcomes for students, particularly those in California’s highest-need communities.
The bill now advances to the Assembly for further consideration. EdVoice and a growing coalition of 45 supporting advocates and organizations will continue to push for SB 1067’s passage through the remainder of the legislative process.
About EdVoice:
EdVoice is a 501(c)4 nonprofit education advocacy organization driving California state policy change to transform our state’s public education system so it effectively prepares all children for opportunities in college, career, and life. To combat the current system’s inequities, EdVoice engages in direct advocacy with policymakers to influence the passage or defeat of key legislation, leads education and awareness campaigns to raise up our policy priority areas, and provides strategic political funding through our EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders prioritizing students from low-income communities.
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