For Immediate Release: EdVoice Announces 2026 Push For Early Math Screening Across CA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
EdVoice Announces 2026 Push For Universal Early Math Screening Across California
Following successful campaigns for K-2 reading screenings and evidence-based early literacy instruction, EdVoice sponsors statewide early math screening bill SB 1067 (Weber Pierson)
SACRAMENTO, CA (February 17, 2026) – California State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D-San Diego) has introduced Senate Bill 1067, legislation requiring universal screening for math difficulties in kindergarten through second grade to identify and support struggling students. The bill — sponsored by EdVoice and co-authored by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-48), Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-57), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-60), and Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-11) — would ensure students struggling with foundational math skills are identified early and provided targeted, evidence-based support.
“We cannot ignore the state’s persistently low performance in early math. California — the epicenter of global innovation — currently ranks 43rd nationally in fourth-grade math proficiency,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “The state has already implemented universal K–2 screening for reading difficulties as part of a comprehensive literacy strategy. Establishing a comparable approach to math would align literacy and numeracy efforts, strengthen the impact of existing math investments, and give more students the foundation they need to succeed in school and life.”
“California is facing not only an early math crisis, but an educational equity crisis,” said Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. “With only 26% of Latino students, 20% of Black students, and 11% of English learners performing at grade level in math, the need for action is urgent. Math learning is cumulative, and students who struggle in the early grades rarely catch up without timely, targeted intervention. Early math screening gives teachers the tools to identify students who may need additional support before they fall behind.”
“Too many bright, capable children fall behind because their challenges aren’t identified early enough to intervene. Having spent 16 years in the classroom, I’ve seen how early math struggles can follow students throughout their academic journey, hold them back, impact self-esteem and other areas of their life,” said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-48). “California has taken critical steps to address reading achievement gaps — now we must do the same for math. Screening results give teachers actionable data to target instruction, group students effectively, and direct limited resources where they are most needed. With just 37% of the state’s K-12 students performing at grade level in math, this needs to be a legislative priority.”
SB 1067 has early endorsements by the following organizations and education experts:
- Charles Armstrong School
- Families In Schools
- Hawley Special Education Law Advocacy
- Speducational
- Professor Ben Clarke, University of Oregon College of Education
- Alice Klein, Ph.D., Research Director, WestEd
For more information on the bill, visit www.edvoice.org/earlymath
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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