Could phonics solve California's reading crisis? Inside the push for sweeping changes

"The proposed law, which would take effect in phases beginning in 2026, would require districts to adopt instructional materials based on the 'science of reading,' a systemic approach to literacy instruction supported by decades of research."

"It's pretty cool to watch,' she said. 'I'm really anticipating that there's going to be a lot less reluctant readers and struggling readers now that the district has made this shift."

"California has long struggled with reading scores below the national average. In 2024, only 29% of California's fourth-graders scored 'proficient' or better in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP."

"It's a big deal for kids, and it's a big step forward - a very big one,' said Marshall Tuck, chief executive of EdVoice, an education advocacy nonprofit that has championed the change."

Julie Celestial's kindergarten class represents a shift in California's reading instruction toward phonics, a method mandated by a new bill in the Legislature. This change aims to combat low reading proficiency, highlighted by only 29% of California fourth-graders achieving proficiency in 2024. Gov. Gavin Newsom supports the initiative, which includes $200 million for teacher training. The approach, termed the 'science of reading,' emphasizes a structured literacy framework based on extensive research, reflecting a significant educational shift in a state that traditionally values local control over education policies.

Read at Los Angeles Times