Latest Updates

October 15, 2025

Governor Newsom signs legislation to further bolster literacy

"There was only one bill that the Speaker said he wanted to attach his name to and he helped create the conditions that led to this bipartisan support of a bill that's long overdue," said Governor Newsom during the press conference.

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October 15, 2025 The Washington Post

The reading wars are ending. Phonics won.

"That California finally took the plunge is especially noteworthy, given that it was ground zero in the nationwide shift away from phonics in the 1980s…The widespread and bipartisan embrace of phonics is worth celebration." - Washington Post Editorial Board

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October 9, 2025 Mercury News

California students make test score gains-but Bay Area sees little improvement

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation Thursday morning that implements evidence-based reading instruction in California classrooms, as newly released test scores reveal California students saw modest gains across subjects.

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October 9, 2025 Los Angeles Daily News

California sees K-12 test scores gains as Newsom signs literacy reform bill

“AB1454 is about helping more children learn to read, and there’s nothing more important in a public education system than ensuring all kids can learn to read,” said Marshall Tuck,…

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October 9, 2025 EdSource

New law changes how California kids learn to read

The decision to compromise on teacher training was easier for advocacy groups that supported the former bills once Newsom put funding behind the training, Tuck said. “We felt if there’s money, and you have to transition to the instructional materials, education leaders will take the pd (professional development),” he said.

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October 9, 2025 Sacramento Bee

Newsom boasts ‘significant gains’ in CA K-12 test scores, signs literacy bill

“With AB 1454 every elementary and middle school classroom in this state is going to have instructional materials that are aligned with what the science and research says are the most effective way for children to learn to read,” Marshall Tuck, CEO of education policy nonprofit EdVoice.

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October 9, 2025 Los Angeles Times

California test scores improve amid lingering pandemic setbacks.

“This is a historic day for California’s students, educators, and families,” Marshall Tuck, chief executive of the advocacy group EdVoice, said in a statement. “Unanimous, across-the-aisle votes in both chambers tells us that big policy change is possible when we choose evidence over ideology and kids over politics.”

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October 9, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Governor Newsom Signs Landmark Early Literacy Bill into Law

Millions of students to benefit as AB 1454 transforms how children in CA learn to read.

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September 26, 2025 Wall Street Journal

California Learns From Mississippi on Phonics

The [California] Legislature this month passed (unanimously if you can believe it) a law to require the state Board of Education to adopt instructional materials aligned with phonics-based reading. Schools would also get more money to train teachers in phonics.

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September 17, 2025 Mercury News

Historic California “science of reading” bill heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom

"The overwhelming support from both the Legislature and Governor's administration for evidence-based reading instruction demonstrates California's commitment to bold change, so all children have access to the quality education they need and future opportunities they deserve," said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice.

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September 13, 2025 Los Angeles Times

These bills could change your child’s school experience. They are not without controversy.

"Transforming California's education system requires a coordinated approach rooted in proven solutions," said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice.

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September 13, 2025

For Immediate Release: Evidence-Based Early Literacy Bill AB 1454 Passes California Senate

Assembly Bill 1454, jointly authored by Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), passed the full Senate floor on September 12 with a resounding 38-0 vote, marking a historic step toward transforming reading instruction for millions of California’s children. 

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