Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom marked the start of the new school year by celebrating the deployment of literacy coaches and reading specialists in hundreds of California’s highest needs schools. This initiative is part of several strategies aimed at strengthening literacy instruction and intervention for California students.

During a visit to a classroom in Sacramento, Governor Newsom welcomed students back to campus and announced that state-funded and trained literacy coaches and reading specialists would be staffed in numerous high-need schools. An initial cohort of 2,250 educators recently completed a state-funded professional learning series, which they will apply in classrooms this school year. These educators are supported by 12 regional hubs offering additional professional learning to literacy teams across more than 200 local educational agencies (LEAs).

“As we begin a new school year, California is doubling down on our commitment to our youngest learners by ensuring that no student falls behind in their reading. I know from my own challenges with dyslexia that when we help children read, we help them succeed. While other states ban books and strip funding from schools, we are dedicated to making sure that every child can have a bright future and develop their own love of learning,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

By next year, hundreds of literacy coaches and reading specialists will support students and educators. Schools will have evidence-based assessments for reading difficulties and resources for necessary interventions. In fall 2025, transitional kindergarten will become universal along with expanded learning opportunities for California children.

“The greatest gift we can give our children is the gift of literacy and a love of reading. In California, we’ve invested in our children’s education and future through literacy coaches and reading specialists that will ensure that gift is available to every child who calls the Golden State home,” stated First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Efforts to strengthen literacy have been central to Governor Newsom’s administration. In collaboration with the Legislature, significant investments have been made in evidence-based strategies focusing on improving student achievement on California’s English Language Arts/English Language Development standards.

Key initiatives include:

- **Screener for Reading Difficulties**: The 2023 Budget Act mandates LEAs to screen students from kindergarten through second grade for risk of reading difficulties by the 2025-26 school year.

- **Literacy Roadmap**: The California Department of Education (CDE) plans to release grade-level modules starting fall 2024, providing guidance on implementing evidence-based literacy instruction.

- **Stronger Accountability**: The 2024-25 Budget requires LEAs with unexpended funds from the $6.2 billion Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant (LREBG) to perform needs assessments focused on low performance in English Language Arts.

- **Full Implementation of Transitional Kindergarten (TK)**: Universal TK eligibility begins in the 2025-26 school year, providing all four-year-olds access.

Additional elements under California's family agenda on public education include:

- Investments exceeding $8 billion for tutoring, increased instructional time, and other supports.

- A $4.1 billion investment in community schools offering high-quality instruction alongside mental health support, tutoring, nutrition programs, healthcare counseling, among other services.

- Access to before-and-after-school programs as well as summer learning opportunities by 2025.

- Universal free meals ensuring all students receive two nutritious meals per day regardless of income or family status.

- A revamped youth behavioral health system integrating mental health services with schools.

Governor Newsom emphasized these measures during his visit with Dyer-Kelly Elementary School staff.

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