For Immediate Release: AB 1454 Advances through Senate Ed Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2025
BREAKING: AB 1454 Advances Through Senate Education Committee, Moving Closer to Evidence-Based Reading Instruction in Every California Classroom
Bipartisan Support Continues as Literacy Legislation Progresses Through Final Legislative Steps
SACRAMENTO, CA – In another significant milestone for California’s students, AB 1454 was approved today by the Senate Education Committee, advancing the evidence-based literacy instruction bill one step closer to a full Senate vote.
The Senate Education Committee’s approval demonstrates continued legislative consensus around the urgent need to address California’s literacy crisis, where only four in 10 third graders read at grade level. AB 1454, which also passed the Assembly in a unanimous vote, now advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
If enacted, AB 1454 will:
● Update Instructional Materials: Require the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt a new list of evidence-based English language arts and English language development instructional materials for Local Education Agencies to either choose from or self-certify that their materials meet the SBE’s criteria.
● Prepare School Leaders and Reading Specialists: Update administrator and reading specialist credential programs to include training on effective literacy instruction, ensuring leaders and specialists can effectively support teaching staff
AB 1454’s advancement comes on the heels of Governor Newsom’s historic approval of $200 million in the 2025-26 Budget Act for teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction, which was a large part of the bill’s initial language. Passing the remaining policies in AB 1454 will help to ensure that this unprecedented funding for teacher training is maximized through aligned instructional materials and updated preparation standards.
“When a child learns to read, they don’t just decode letters on a page, they begin to dream bigger, think more critically, and imagine a future beyond what they can see. Today’s committee approval brings us one step closer to all California children reading at grade level,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “The continued bipartisan support for AB 1454 shows that our state leaders recognize the impact of literacy on future learning and opportunity, and are committed to taking meaningful action. We’re grateful to the Senate Education Committee members for advancing this critical legislation.”
AB 1454, jointly authored by Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), represents a comprehensive approach to improving literacy outcomes by equipping educators with evidence-based resources and training.
“After months of hard work and collaboration, we are making steady progress toward delivering on our promise to teach all California children to read,” said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), an author of AB 1454. “The support we saw today in the Senate Education Committee moves us closer to ensuring that no child falls through the cracks because they weren’t taught to read using scientifically proven reading methods. The continued bipartisan support on this bill tells us that California is ready and motivated to lead on literacy.”
The bill builds on California’s recent investments in early literacy, including universal screening for reading difficulties in all K-2 classrooms (SB 114) and requiring teacher preparation programs to include training in evidence-based literacy instruction (SB 488).
“This legislation represents hope for millions of Californian families who want to ensure their children have the foundational reading skills needed for success in high school, college, and beyond,” said Yolie Flores, CEO of Families In Schools. “AB 1454 gives us the opportunity to transform California from a state that talks about literacy to one that delivers results for students who need it most.” More than 90 organizations are in support of California joining the growing number of states that have prioritized evidence-based reading instruction. For more information on AB 1454 and to support improved reading instruction in California classrooms, visit 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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Statement from EdVoice CEO on CA Final Budget
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement from Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, on California’s Final Budget Inclusion of $200 Million for Literacy Training
SACRAMENTO, CA (June 30, 2025) – Today, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement in response to California’s final 2025-26 state budget:
“A budget is more than a financial plan, it is a reflection of collective priorities. In this budget cycle, Governor Newsom and the California Legislature made their priorities unmistakably clear: California is committed to helping every child become a skilled reader by the end of elementary school.
Despite a challenging fiscal year, the final budget includes $200 million for teacher training in evidence-based literacy practices — a key component of AB 1454 (Rivas, Rubio, Muratsuchi), which recently passed the Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support (78-0). This funding is a game-changing investment in our state’s future, as reading instruction will improve for millions of children.
EdVoice is also encouraged by the $40 million allocated to implement universal screening for reading difficulties — a state policy our organization helped enact in 2023. This funding will support effective screening for 1.2 million K-2 students in California over the next school year, which is a critical part of identifying struggling readers and providing them with evidence-based interventions.
Reading is the foundation for all future learning. We are grateful to Governor Newsom, Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, Assemblymember Rubio, Assemblymember Muratsuchi and the other members of the California Legislature for prioritizing reading in this budget cycle. Together, we are uplifting student academic outcomes so that all children can have futures filled with opportunity.”
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:
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Statement from Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, on Governor Newsom’s May Revision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Prioritizing Kids and Teachers with Investments in Early Literacy
Today, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision of the 2025-2026 state budget:
“Governor Newsom’s May Revision reflects real leadership in a tough budget year. Despite significant fiscal headwinds, the Governor prioritized the needs of California’s children – investing $200 million in evidence-based literacy practices for elementary teachers. This is a clear commitment to providing educators with the tools needed to effectively teach children in California to learn to read.
We know that reading is the gateway to a life of opportunity. The investment in evidence-based professional development for teachers builds on a comprehensive approach to uplifting the reading outcomes of children across the state – including universal screening for reading difficulties set to begin in the 2025-26 school year. We are grateful to this administration’s commitment to early literacy, as well as the leadership of Speaker Rivas, Assemblymember Rubio, and Assemblymember Muratsuchi in introducing AB 1454, which will align both professional development and instructional materials with decades of reading research on how children learn to read.
Governor Newsom is leading the way by investing in our teachers, kids, and our future. We urge the Legislature to approve the Governor’s proposal to invest $200 million in teacher training in evidence-based reading and continue this momentum by advancing AB 1454.”
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:
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For Immediate Release: Growing Support for AB 1121 to Combat State Literacy Crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2025
California State PTA, Children’s Defense Fund-California, and National Council on Teacher Quality Join Growing Coalition Supporting AB 1121 to Combat State Literacy Crisis
Sacramento, CA – The momentum behind Assembly Bill 1121 (introduced by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio) continues to grow, with significant new endorsements from the California State PTA, Children’s Defense Fund-California, and the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). These leading advocacy organizations have joined a diverse, statewide coalition committed to ensuring every California child learns to read through evidence-based instruction, and that every teacher receives professional development to share these instructional methods.
These prominent organizations join nearly 40 education, equity, and advocacy groups – including Decoding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice, Families In Schools, and the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference – who are co-sponsoring or supporting the bill. A petition in support of AB 1121 has now surpassed 900 signatories, reflecting a growing wave of public demand for proactive, research-backed changes on how we teach children in California to read.
AB 1121 would strengthen California’s literacy efforts by ensuring high-quality, evidence-based professional development for educators and updating instructional materials across the state to reflect what decades of reading research confirms about how children learn.
“AB 1121 will support our educators in their professional development in teaching our students how to learn to read and ensure that California’s students receive effective, evidence-based literacy instruction,” said California State PTA President Shereen Walter.
“Children’s Defense Fund-California has a long history supporting children, freedom, and the right to a fair and accessible education. AB 1121 takes a significant step towards achieving that goal by requiring that evidence-based instruction practices are built into professional development, as well as instructional materials,” said Children’s Defense Fund-California’s State Director, Jaren Sorkow. “This bill opens new opportunities for transformative policy changes and greater agency for individuals to respond with methods that are currently restricted,” he added.
The National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) underscored the importance of implementation. “AB 1121 ensures that evidence-based practices are not just recommended, but also implemented, giving teachers the tools they need to support student success. Expanding access to these critical resources benefits all teachers and, most importantly, all students,” said NCTQ President Heather G. Peske, Ed.D.
Despite recent investments in literacy, California continues to see stagnant reading outcomes and some of the worst achievement gaps in the nation – especially among students of color, English learners, and students from low-income communities. Advocates say AB 1121 is a necessary next step to ensure California’s public dollars are being spent on approaches that actually help children learn to read.
The full list of AB 1121 supporters includes:
- Decoding Dyslexia CA (sponsor)
- EdVoice (sponsor)
- Families In Schools (sponsor)
- NAACP CA/HI (sponsor)
- 21st Century Alliance
- Black Parallel School Board
- California Emerging Technology Fund
- California Reading Coalition
- California State PTA
- Charles Armstrong School
- Children’s Defense Fund-California
- Communities in Schools Los Angeles
- DEEP San Diego
- Dyslexia Project
- Educators for Excellence – LA
- Elevate California
- Equitable Literacy for All
- FULCRUM
- GO Public Schools
- GPII Foundation
- Innovate Public Schools
- International Dyslexia Association – Los Angeles
- International Dyslexia Association – Northern California
- Learning Rights Law Center
- Napa County Office of Education
- National Council on Teacher Quality
- Oakland Literacy Coalition
- Para Los Niños
- Partners for Peace
- Reading for Berkeley
- The Reading League California
- Read to Me Project
- Sacramento Literacy Foundation
- San Francisco Parent Coalition
- San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs
- San Ramon Valley USD SELPA Community Advisory Committee
- Santa Barbara Reading Coalition
- Taylor Farms
- United Way Monterey County
With growing support from across California’s education community and a petition now signed by more than 900 concerned Californians, AB 1121 is quickly emerging as one of the most impactful literacy policy efforts our state has seen in years.
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:
For Immediate Release: NAACP CA-HI Sponsors AB 1121
The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference (NAACP CA-HI) has joined Decoding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice, and Families In Schools in sponsoring Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio’s new early literacy bill, AB 1121. The bill aims to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to teaching all California elementary school students how to read by addressing deep inequities around reading achievement for the state’s most vulnerable students. Details may be found on the campaign website www.californiakidsread.org.
For Immediate Release: EdVoice Sponsors AB 1121 (Rubio), a Landmark Early Literacy Bill
Reading is a civil right, but California’s early childhood literacy gaps are some of the largest by race and income in the nation. The problem is not that our children can’t learn, but that many are not being provided with effective reading instruction and materials.
Today, California State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-48) introduced a new early literacy bill, AB 1121, that will create more equitable academic outcomes by bringing evidence-based reading instruction to every elementary school classroom in California.
The bill is co-sponsored by EdVoice, Decoding Dyslexia CA and Families In Schools. This legislation, if enacted, will ensure that all elementary students in California receive reading instruction aligned with the latest scientific research on how the brain learns to read.
For Immediate Release: EdVoice CEO Statement on 2025-26 State Budget
Today, in response to Governor Newsom’s announcement of a proposed state budget for 2025-2026, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement:
“EdVoice is pleased to see the deep focus on literacy instruction and instructional materials in the Governor’s proposed budget, as reading is the most essential skill for future learning and opportunity. A persistent reading achievement gap exists between California’s low-income and non-low-income students, so we must continue to prioritize literacy instruction. We must also ensure that teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction is required for elementary school teachers, and all instructional materials align with evidence-based practices and the foundational reading skills needed for students to become fluent readers.
Quality teachers matter most to a student’s academic success, so it’s encouraging to see continued funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and National Board Certification Incentive Program, both of which increase the number of quality teachers at high-needs schools. EdVoice is optimistic that the administration will create a pathway for these and other one-time initiatives with proven success in recruiting and retaining teachers to become permanent programs. For the new Teacher Recruitment Incentive Program, our hope is that the administration will ensure the focus is on the highest-needs schools.”
For Immediate Release: EdVoice Institute Publishes Comprehensive Policy Plan to Transform California’s Education System by 2040
Today, our sister organization, EdVoice Institute, released a comprehensive, research-informed policy agenda to redesign California’s public school system by 2040. “Futures Filled with Opportunity: Reshaping California’s Public Education System for Children from Low-Income Communities,” prioritizes the needs of low-income children to receive a high-quality education—aligning local, state, and national research and best practices with nearly 100 clear, scalable policy recommendations.
For Immediate Release: EdVoice and 12 Orgs Oppose Elimination of TPAs
Sacramento, CA (June 5, 2024) – EdVoice and 12 other organizations have submitted a letter to the California Legislature expressing opposition to Senate Bill 1263. This bill would eliminate the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) requirement for teacher candidates attaining their preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential through a teacher preparation program. The bill’s most recent amendments would also eliminate the requirement for teacher candidates to demonstrate their knowledge in literacy instruction, a requirement only recently passed in 2021 through Senate Bill 488 (Rubio).
“Performance assessments are an important measure to demonstrate that teachers are prepared to teach on day one in the classroom. The financial burden of assessments, however, should not fall on prospective teacher candidates,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “We recommend the state waive the costs of TPAs to remove potential barriers to the teaching profession, while maintaining an important tool to effectively hold teacher preparation programs accountable in meeting the state’s adopted standards of quality and effectiveness,” Tuck added.
For Immediate Release: EdVoice Sponsors Early Literacy Legislation (AB 2222)
Sacramento, CA (February 7, 2024) – Only three in 10 third-grade students from low-income communities can read at grade level compared to six in 10 of their higher-income peers, according to a policy brief co-authored by the California Early Literacy Coalition. Today, Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) introduced a new early literacy bill, AB 2222, to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to teaching all of California’s elementary school students how to read and addressing the deep inequities around reading achievement for California’s most vulnerable students. The bill has bipartisan support from 13 co-authors and is sponsored by EdVoice, Decoding Dyslexia CA and Families In Schools.
For Immediate Release: Early Literacy Policy Brief Just Released
Early Literacy Policy Brief Press Release
Our sister organization, EdVoice Institute—in collaboration with its California Early Literacy Coalition partners at Decoding Dyslexia CA, 21st Century Alliance, Families In Schools, and California Reading Coalition—is excited to announce the release of its Early Literacy Policy Brief. The brief proposes a research-based early literacy policy agenda anchored in the Science of Reading that, if passed and implemented effectively, will help California accelerate its path toward literacy for all students by the third grade.