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 based on several factors.
Policy Priorities for 2024-25
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 reform legislation (AB 2222) earlier this year and, while the bill did not move forward, we plan to reintroduce similar legislation in 2025.
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, strong school leadership is an essential ingredient for high-quality schools, and there is a positive relationship between lower counselor-to-student ratios and student academic outcomes. However, students from low-income communities in California are more likely to be taught by underqualified teachers, more likely to attend a school with high administrator turnover, and less likely to have access to counselors than their higher-income peers.
Policies that address teacher recruitment, preparation, selection, retention, and leadership are essential for a comprehensive approach to the issue.
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