Early Math Assessment and Support Bill Sponsored by EdVoice Passes California Assembly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SB 1067, the Early Math Assessment and Support Bill Sponsored by EdVoice, Passes California Assembly, Heads to Governor’s Desk
The landmark bill now heads to Gov. Newsom’s desk, backed by more than 50 early math experts, civil rights advocates, and parent and education organizations across California.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2026 — Senate Bill 1067, the early math assessment bill authored by Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D., and sponsored by EdVoice, passed the California State Assembly today with no opposition votes and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. SB 1067 would require public schools statewide to assess all kindergarten through second grade students for gaps in foundational math knowledge and connect identified students with timely, evidence-based support. EdVoice helped shape and advance the legislation through both houses by providing research, advocacy, hearing testimony, and coalition building.
“A broad coalition of legislators, researchers, parents, civil rights leaders, and education advocates came together around a simple idea: we shouldn’t wait years to find out a child is struggling in math,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “Now we urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 1067 and make early identification and support a reality for students across California, giving every young learner the chance to build a strong foundation in math.”
Just 37% of California’s 5.8 million K-12 students overall perform at grade level in math, according to 2024-25 CAASPP results. While 58% of higher-income students meet the standard, only 26% of low-income and Latino students do, along with 20% of Black students and 11% of English learners. Math learning is cumulative, so gaps in knowledge compound over time and extend into higher education: one in eight incoming University of California, San Diego freshmen do not meet high school math standards. SB 1067 brings to math the early identification approach California already requires for literacy through K-2 universal screening for reading difficulties under SB 114, which reached 1.2 million students during its first school year of implementation in 2025-26.
“Early support can change a child’s academic trajectory, especially when we act before small gaps in math knowledge become major barriers,” said Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego). “I appreciate the Assembly for advancing this important effort to strengthen early math outcomes for California students.”
Under SB 1067, beginning in the 2028-29 school year, all K-2 students would be screened for math knowledge at least once a year unless their parents or caregivers opt out. The California Department of Education would develop a list of approved assessment tools, and local education agencies could select from that list or certify that their own tool meets the same criteria. English learners would be screened in their primary language when available, and parents and caregivers would receive results along with guidance on any support their child will receive.
“A family cannot advocate for a child without knowing where their child stands,” said Heather Ippolito, President, California State PTA. “With today’s vote, the Assembly brought the same clarity to math that early literacy screening brings to reading—ensuring every community benefits, not just those with assessments already in place. Every family deserves an early, honest picture of how their student is doing and the opportunity to partner with educators from the start. We thank the Legislature for their leadership and urge the Governor to sign SB 1067 without delay.”
SB 1067 was co-authored by Senators Allen, Cabaldon, Durazo, Grayson, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Rubio, Stern, and Wahab, and Assemblymembers Alanis, Bains, Bonta, Bryan, Elhawary, Garcia, Hoover, Jackson, Papan, Quirk-Silva, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rubio, Schiavo, and Wilson. It is backed by more than 50 organizations across California’s civil rights, parent and education advocacy communities, including the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference and the California State PTA. EdVoice built and coordinated the coalition throughout the legislative process, bringing together advocates and experts around the need for earlier identification and support in math.
With SB 1067 now on its way to the Governor, EdVoice will push for swift signature and remain engaged through implementation to help ensure the policy delivers on its promise for students and families. Follow the bill’s progress at edvoice.org/earlymath.
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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.
Media Inquiries: Gena Ritter, Communications Strategy Group gritter@wearecsg.com