In another significant milestone for California’s students, AB 1454 was approved last week by the Senate Education Committee with a 7-0 vote, advancing the evidence-based literacy instruction bill one step closer to a full Senate vote.
The Senate Education Committee’s 7-0 vote of 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. The 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 Rubio, an author of AB 1454. “The support we saw 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 14 allows us to transform California from a state that talks about literacy to one that delivers results for students who need it most.”