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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2025

BREAKING: Evidence-Based Early Literacy Bill AB 1454 Passes California Senate With Unanimous Vote (38-0), Taking Major Step to Close Literacy Gaps

Landmark Early Literacy Bill Now Heads to Governor’s Desk

SACRAMENTO, CA – 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.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final signature.

California’s reading achievement gaps by income and race have been persistent for years, and are among the widest in the nation. Currently, only 4 in 10 third graders read at grade level, with outcomes even worse for English learners and low-income Black and Latino students. AB 1454 directly addresses these disparities by ensuring classroom materials are aligned with decades of cognitive research on how children learn to read. As a result of strong advocacy efforts led by EdVoice and its partners, a key component of AB 1454 – equipping elementary school teachers with effective training in reading instruction – was incorporated in Governor Newsom’s ‘25-‘26 state budget, with $200 million allocated for evidence-based literacy training.

“This is a turning point for California’s children. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, and reading is the foundation for success,” said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park). “AB 1454 will give California’s teachers the tools they need to teach literacy, and our students the skills they need to tackle reading. This bill confronts the staggering literacy gaps we’ve seen in California. Our state is making a historic investment in our children’s future and I am honored to have been a part of leading this incredibly impactful legislation forward.”

“Transforming California’s education system requires a coordinated approach rooted in proven solutions,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “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. This is progress in action – and EdVoice is proud to champion big policies like AB 1454 that will uplift academic outcomes for millions of California’s children.”

Key provisions of AB 1454 include:

Requiring the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt a new list of English language arts/English language development instructional materials that align with evidence-based literacy instruction. Local Education Agencies must follow the SBE’s guidance when updating materials or certify that their materials meet SBE criteria.
Requiring the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to update standards for administrator and reading specialist credential preparation to include training on effective means of teaching literacy and certify that programs are following the updated standards.

AB 1454 is a bipartisan bill co-authored by Senators Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and Assemblymembers Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay), Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), Josh Hoover (R-Folsom), and Dr. Darshana Patel (D-San Diego County). The bill has garnered unprecedented support from more than 90 education and social justice advocates from across the state who have come together – including EdVoice, Decoding Dyslexia CA, the NAACP CA/HI State Conference, Families In Schools, and others – to transform how California students learn to read.

With Senate passage complete, AB 1454 now awaits Governor Newsom’s signature – the final step needed to change reading instruction for millions of California students.

For more information, visit www.CaliforniaKidsRead.org.

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: EdVoice@ActumLLC.com

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