FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CA Assembly Appropriations Committee Unanimously Advances Early Math Assessment Bill
California Assembly Appropriations Committee Unanimously Advances Early Math Assessment Bill to Identify and Support Struggling Students Sooner
SB 1067, authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. and championed by EdVoice, advances through the fiscal committee, building on California’s early literacy assessment policy and growing support from civil rights, parent, education, and advocacy organizations.
SACRAMENTO, CA (August 13, 2026) — Today, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 1067, legislation that would establish a statewide K-2 diagnostic math assessment system to identify students who need additional support in foundational math skills and connect them with timely, evidence-based interventions.
The unanimous vote marks another key step forward for SB 1067, which previously passed the Senate with unanimous support and moved out of the Assembly Education Committee on an 8-0 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly Floor for a final vote amid persistently low math achievement across California.
SB 1067 was refined through negotiations with the State Board of Education and incorporates feedback from legislative and Administration staff, as well as practitioners. The amended bill requires schools to administer a brief diagnostic assessment to K-2 students and connects the results to instructional supports, including Multi-Tiered System of Supports and math coaching. It also gives parents greater insight into their child’s math proficiency while maintaining a clear requirement for districts to identify students who need additional support and provide timely intervention.
“Too many students across our state are not meeting grade-level standards in math, and this persistent challenge demands early, targeted action. Today’s vote reflects a growing understanding among state leaders that California cannot wait until students are already years behind before providing support,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “SB 1067 will give teachers the tools to identify gaps in math knowledge as early as kindergarten and connect students with the support they need. This approach can help every young learner build the foundational math skills necessary to succeed in school, career, and life.”
“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. “I appreciate the Assembly Appropriations Committee for advancing this important effort to strengthen early math outcomes for California students and hope that all of California’s Assembly members will do the same.”
Under the amended bill, SB 1067 would:
- Require K-2 students to be assessed for math knowledge at least once annually, beginning in the 2028-29 school year, with districts given flexibility on timing.
- Direct the State Board of Education to set criteria for approved assessment instruments, with the California Department of Education approving the recommended list.
- Allow districts to use an alternative diagnostic instrument, including a kindergarten readiness assessment, if their governing board self-certifies that it meets the state’s criteria.
SB 1067 has 24 bipartisan co-authors and support from more than 50 organizations, including the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference, California PTA and other civil rights, parent, education and advocacy organizations.
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.
Media Inquiries:
Gena Ritter, Communications Strategy Group