California Fails to Pass Science of Reading Bill

California Assembly Bill 2222, which aimed to require teachers to utilize the science of reading, has been withdrawn without a hearing. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas stated that the bill will not progress in the Legislature this year in order to allow for a thorough review by key groups before potentially implementing costly changes to reading instruction in California.

Cheryl Ortega, director of bilingual education for United Teachers Los Angeles, expressed her satisfaction with the California Teachers’ Association’s opposing stance on AB 2222. She noted that the bill has now died in committee in Sacramento. As a member of the Language Acquisition Committee of CTA State Council, Ortega shared the organization’s official position on the science of reading.

The CTA supports the California Department of Education’s efforts to promote language development and literacy among English learners through appropriate instructional materials and differentiated approaches. They believe that reading instruction should not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, especially for English learners who require specific programs tailored to their needs. The CTA emphasizes the importance of using suitable programs when teaching English language learners, whether they are receiving instruction in English or their native language.