California's Reading Revolution: A New Approach to Literacy
California is facing a serious reading crisis, with many students struggling to read at grade level. A new bill, AB 1454, could revolutionize how reading is taught in the state.
The Bill's Focus
AB 1454 emphasizes evidence-based reading instruction, including:
- Phonics
- Vocabulary
This approach differs from the whole language method, which teaches reading through literature without focusing on sounding out words.
Support and Flexibility
The bill has garnered support from the California Teachers Association. It offers schools more flexibility by allowing them to choose their own materials and training. This contrasts with past bills that were less flexible and lacked sufficient support.
Historical Context
California has debated the best reading instruction methods for years. The state has experimented with various approaches:
- 1980s: Whole language, leading to a decline in reading scores. Only 12% of 4th graders were proficient in 1992.
- Phonics: Tried but not sustained.
- Balanced literacy: A mix of both approaches, though experts argue it lacks research support.
Current Trends
Some school districts are adopting structured literacy, which focuses on phonics and comprehension. This method has shown success in states like Mississippi, which improved its 4th-grade reading scores in 2019. However, California has been slow to adopt this approach, despite spending millions on literacy programs.
Legislative Progress
AB 1454 has passed several committees and is now heading to the Senate Appropriations Committee. If it passes, it will go to Governor Newsom. Supporters hope it will improve reading outcomes in California, but only time will tell its impact.
