Policy Priorities
During each legislative session, we use EdVoice Institute’s evidence-based policy agenda (outlined below) as a resource in determining which specific legislative policies to propose, sponsor, and support or defend against.
Policy Priorities for 2025-26
1. Evidence-Based Early Literacy Instruction
EdVoice Institute, our sister organization, and their California Early Literacy Coalition partners have published an Early Literacy Policy Brief proposing 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 end of elementary school.
We used these recommendations to sponsor Assemblymember Rubio’s comprehensive early literacy legislation (AB 2222) in 2024. After the legislation did not move forward, EdVoice sponsored new evidence-based early literacy bill AB 1121 in 2025, which evolved into Assembly Speaker Rivas’s bill AB 1454.
2. High-Quality, Diverse Educators in High-Needs Schools
Studies have shown that effective teaching is the most important school-based factor that influences student achievement. Unfortunately, students from low-income communities in California are more likely to be taught by underqualified teachers,
Policies that address teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention are essential for a comprehensive approach to the teacher shortage in our state.
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