Story perspectives

California Mandates Phonics Instruction to Boost Reading Skills

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill implementing phonics-based reading instruction in elementary and middle schools, with training and updated materials.
Provisions for multilingual resources, optional phonics use, and a $200 million state budget for teacher training were added.
Recent surveys show 80% of California districts did not use phonics.
Los Angeles Unified reports improved scores since adopting phonics.
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio emphasized the law's potential to help students and teachers.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill implementing phonics-based reading instruction in elementary and middle schools, with training and updated materials.
Provisions for multilingual resources, optional phonics use, and a $200 million state budget for teacher training were added.
Recent surveys show 80% of California districts did not use phonics.
Los Angeles Unified reports improved scores since adopting phonics.
Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio emphasized the law's potential to help students and teachers.