Advanced Search Close Search
California law pushes phonics-based reading instruction for elementary and middle school students
State

California law pushes phonics-based reading instruction for elementary and middle school students

  • By CAROLYN JONES/CalMatters
  • Updated

A new California law is pushing for phonics-based reading instruction in elementary and middle school classrooms. The law provides training for school principals and reading specialists in the "science of reading," a method focused on vocabulary, comprehension and sounding out words rather than learning words by sight. The approach has led to improved reading scores in Mississippi, Louisiana and districts like Los Angeles Unified, which adopted it several years ago. The law also updates the state's list of textbooks, flash cards and other classroom reading materials to align with a phonics-based approach. The legislature passed the bill unanimously after it was made optional for schools to adopt phonics as a learning method.

State takes on reading difficulties
Local News
Featured

State takes on reading difficulties

  • By John Fensterwald and Zaidee Stavely EdSource

A panel of reading experts has designated the tests that school districts can use to identify reading difficulties that kindergartners through…

Class notes
Local News

Class notes

  • Updated

There will be a local education expo 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at Hillsdale Shopping Center, Lower Level, 60 31st Ave. in San Mateo. Th…

Class notes
Local News

Class notes

  • Updated

In November, the San Mateo Elk’s Lodge No. 1112 donated more than 600 dictionaries to third-grade students at 10 different elementary schools …

Class notes
Local News

Class notes

  • Updated

On May 28, those in the mood for some music should hang out in Redwood City for a full day of live music during the annual "Groovin’ in the Gr…