A Fresno Unified student reads a book during class.
Credit: Fresno Unified / Flickr
TOP Takeaways
The sponsors and opponents of a comprehensive, statewide approach to teaching early literacy are no closer to a deal than a year ago.
The latest bill would require the State Board of Education to designate courses in research-based methods of teaching reading, also known as the science of reading, and for all K-5 teachers to take them. The board would approve textbooks and materials for teachers to use.
The ongoing feud pits the bill’s sponsors — the NAACP, Coding Dyslexia CA, EdVoice and Families in Schools — against the California Teachers Association, Californians Together, and the California Association of Bilingual Education.
Phonics instruction is again at the center of the debate. Opponents say an excessive amount would harm English learners; supporters say the bill is clear: Decoding is…
