California is tackling a literacy crisis with bill AB 1454 aimed at adopting evidence-based reading instruction. The legislation, supported by key Assembly members, emphasizes foundational skills such as phonics and vocabulary. Unlike previous attempts, this bill proposes greater flexibility for school districts in choosing instructional materials and training, addressing concerns from teacher unions and advocates. For decades, California's educational landscape has fluctuated between two main reading instruction methods: phonics and whole language, often referred to as the 'reading wars.' Historical reluctance to mandate evidence-based methods has changed with AB 1454's progress.
AB 1454 would adopt evidence-based reading instructional materials focusing on foundational skills like phonics and vocabulary, rather than solely on word recognition and memorization.
The California Teachers Association supports AB 1454, which allows school districts flexibility in selecting instructional materials and gives them the option to opt-out of state-funded teacher training.
For decades, educators have engaged in 'reading wars,' alternating between methods like phonics and whole language, shaping California's diverse reading instruction landscape.
California has previously shied away from mandating evidence-based reading instruction, with past efforts like AB 2222 failing due to concerns from teacher's unions and advocates.
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