Families In Schools Applauds AB 1121 to Address Literacy Crisis

Families In Schools (FIS), in partnership with EdVoice and Decoding Dyslexia California, proudly announces the introduction of AB 1121, a groundbreaking bill aimed at addressing California's urgent literacy crisis. Introduced by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, AB 1121 marks a significant step toward improving early literacy education for all students, particularly the state’s 3.6 million low-income learners.

“We are at a pivotal moment in addressing the literacy challenges that have plagued California's schools for far too long,” said Yolie Flores, President and CEO of Families In Schools. “We are grateful to Assemblymember Rubio for her leadership and courage in bringing real transformation through explicit policies that align literacy instruction to practices that a vast amount of reading research – in this country and around the world – shows are essential for children to become proficient readers. Without such policies, California will continue to be a state with high levels of investment but too little to show for it when it comes to results. This bill is not just a response to a crisis — it is a call to action that families are demanding and that we cannot ignore. If we continue to delay meaningful change, the futures of millions of students will be compromised.”

California is facing a reading crisis. Currently, only four in 10 third graders are reading at grade level – a number that drops to three in 10 for low-income Latino students and two in 10 for students with disabilities, English learners, and low-income Black students. These rates have remained mostly flat over the past decade, reflecting a systemic issue that demands urgent action.

The bill, AB 1121, represents the second legislative attempt by Families In Schools and its partners to address the state's literacy crisis. It focuses on two critical areas:

1. Teacher Training: AB 1121 proposes paid professional development for all California elementary teachers and administrators who provide reading instruction. The bill mandates evidence-based literacy training to ensure educators are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to teach reading effectively. Educators who have already received similar training will have the option to retake it, but it will not be a requirement.
2. Instructional Materials: The bill calls for the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt a new list of evidence-based ELA/ELD instructional materials that align with the state's literacy framework. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) will be required to adopt instructional materials from this state-approved list, with an option for waivers if needed.

AB 1121 moves beyond guidance and into action by setting clear expectations for both teacher preparation and instructional resources — a critical step in reversing the literacy crisis that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color.

“We can’t afford to continue on this path. The education of our children depends on the actions we take today,” said Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, who authored the bill. “This bill represents a clear commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to become proficient readers. It is a first step toward equity in education.”

California has long been grappling with an alarmingly high rate of students who are not reading at grade level. For many students, especially those in low-income communities, this early literacy gap has long-term consequences that hinder their academic success and future opportunities.

“This bill is about more than just reading—it is about equity and ensuring all children, particularly those who have been historically underserved, have the foundation they need to succeed academically,” said Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice.

Decoding Dyslexia California also commended the introduction of AB 1121, underscoring the importance of adopting evidence-based practices and materials. "For far too long, our schools have been using methods that are not effective for struggling readers, including students with dyslexia," said Megan Potente, Co-State Director of Decoding Dyslexia California. "AB 1121 provides an essential pathway to give educators the training they need to meet the needs of all students."

AB 1121 represents a hopeful new chapter for California’s literacy efforts, and we look forward to the continued support of legislators, educators, and families as we work together to ensure a brighter future for California’s children.

About Families In Schools
Families In Schools (FIS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to involve families in their children’s education to achieve lifelong success. Read LA!, powered by FIS, is a campaign to ensure all children in Los Angeles can read and thrive.