LOS ANGELES:-  In a monumental step forward for California’s students, AB 1454 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom – following unanimous votes of support in both the California Assembly (78-0) and the California Senate (38-0). Unanimous, bipartisan votes for an education policy change is a rarity in the United States, particularly in a state as diverse as California, with its nearly 6 million students.

California’s reading gaps, like those in many states across the U.S., have persisted for years. This milestone comes after months of advocacy by EdVoice and a coalition of 90+ supporting organizations – including anchor partners Decoding Dyslexia CA, Families In Schools, and the NAACP California-Hawaii State Conference – who have championed evidence-based reading instruction for California’s students.

“Reading is the gateway to all future knowledge and opportunity. With the passage of AB 1454, millions more students will now receive evidence-based reading instruction – unlocking opportunities that were once closed to them,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice. “This is a historic day for California’s students, educators, and families. Unanimous, across-the-aisle votes in both chambers tells us that big policy change is possible when we choose evidence over ideology and kids over politics. That’s worth celebrating.”

AB 1454, jointly authored by Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas), Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), and Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), will address California’s persistent literacy challenges by updating instructional materials to align with decades of research showing how children learn to read. Additionally, Governor Newsom allocated $200 million in the ‘25-‘26 final state budget to fund evidence-based professional development in literacy instruction for educators, making California the largest state in the nation providing both updated materials and the opportunity for professional development in evidence-based literacy instruction.

“Strong reading skills are the foundation for every student’s success, and this new law demonstrates a landmark commitment to advancing California’s reading and literacy rates,” said Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas). “It is a critical step forward and will improve literacy outcomes for all of our students.”

“This is personal for me. As a former teacher and someone who learned English as a second language, I’ve seen what happens when we don’t get reading instruction right from the start – and our kids don’t have any more time to waste,” said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park). “We have seen for years what happens when kids fall behind by third grade, and they struggle to catch up for years after, even into adulthood. But I’ve also seen the magic that happens when we teach reading the right way – suddenly everything clicks for these kids. That’s what AB 1454 does. It makes sure every teacher has the tools to help every child experience that breakthrough moment.”

“California parents send their children to school trusting that teachers know how to teach them to read, but for years that trust has been broken. Too many parents – especially in low-income communities and in communities of color – watch their kids struggle and don’t know why or what to do about it.  AB 1454 means parents can have confidence again,” said Yolie Flores, President & CEO of Families In Schools. “California parents shouldn’t have to become reading experts to make sure their kids learn the basic skill of how to read. When they drop their child off at school, now they will know they’re getting instruction that actually works.”

AB 1454 aims to lift reading achievement by:

Requiring the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt a new English language arts/English language development instructional materials list that aligns with evidence-based means of teaching literacy. 

Local Education Agencies must follow SBE’s guidance when updating materials or certify that the materials are aligned with SBE’s criteria.

Updating standards for administrator and reading specialist preparation programs to include training on effective means of teaching literacy.

“Literacy is a civil right and the pathway to a prosperous future. We have stood alongside EdVoice and our partners in support of AB 1454 from the beginning,” said Rick L. Callender, President of the NAACP CA-HI State Conference. “For too long, we’ve accepted that kids in certain zip codes, mostly Black and brown communities, just aren’t reading as well. It has become the status quo. But that’s not about the kids, that’s about the system failing them. When we deny children effective reading instruction, we’re denying them their future. AB 1454 says no more waiting. Every child, no matter where they live or what they look like, deserves to read. This is social justice in action.”

“Parents want their children to thrive, but they need schools that can deliver,” said Megan Potente, State Director of Decoding Dyslexia CA. “AB 1454 ensures that children of all abilities, including those with dyslexia, across our state have access to evidence-based reading instruction. Combined with universal screening in all K-2 classrooms being introduced in California this year, this means students won’t be left behind – they’ll be identified early, supported appropriately, and given the opportunity to become strong, confident readers.”

The Governor’s signature comes at a critical time, as California continues to lag behind other states in reading proficiency like Mississippi and Louisiana, and as our national reading crisis continues to persist. These smaller states have implemented similar evidence-based literacy policies as AB 1454 and seen dramatic improvements in student reading outcomes. Now, it is time for California to have its own reading renaissance.

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.