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California Literacy

Guidance and resources for teachers and families in Preschool through twelfth (P–12) grade schools regarding evidence-based literacy instruction.
State Superintendent Tony Thurmond reading a book to students in a classroom.

California's approach to literacy instruction is grounded in the science of reading, learning, and development, including decades of research applicable to our diverse and multilingual learners. As a dynamic state with extraordinary global influence and unsurpassed cultural and linguistic resources, California is committed to ensuring that students are reading by third grade and are fully literate when they graduate from high school. Reading by Third Grade and Beyond is a key part of State Superintendent Tony Thurmond’s Transforming School Initiatives.

Explore below to learn more about California’s literacy policy, initiatives, and resources that include evidence-based practices aimed at achieving reading by third grade and beyond.

Announcements

Reminder: Screening for Risk of Reading Difficulties

  • Education Code Section 53008 External link opens in new window or tab. will require all local educational agencies (LEAs) to assess students from kindergarten to grade two for risk of reading difficulties with a screener(s) from the approved list commencing no later than the 2025–2026 school year.

    • Important upcoming dates:

      • The approved list of screening instruments approved by the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener Selection Panel (RDRSSP) is now available under the "Screening" tab.

      • On or before June 30, 2025: LEA governing boards serving kindergarten to grade two shall adopt one or more screeners from the approved list.

  • SB 153, Sec. 117 External link opens in new window or tab. approved $25 million one-time funds for training to administer screenings to assess for risk of reading difficulties using an instrument from the approved list of screeners. See Literacy Screenings Professional Development for links to the Funding Profile, Funding Results, and FAQs.

Project ARISE

Project ARISE provides a series of self-paced online courses that offer a whole-child approach to literacy instruction. Engage in content addressing executive functions, research-informed best practices for reading instruction, and a process for intensive intervention. This virtual professional learning opportunity can be accessed at any time and is free to all California educators. Project ARISE is led by the Contra Costa County Office of Education which partners with the San Diego County Office of Education and Glenn County Office of Education, and is supported by the California Department of Education.

California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA)

Engage in free professional learning through the CCLA online repository of high-quality asynchronous courses for literacy and language development. Each course integrates Universal Design for Learning, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and social-emotional learning practices within the Multi-Tiered System of Support framework. Courses are approximately 60 minutes.

Questions:   California Statewide Literacy Office | statewideliteracycampaign@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
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