Our Other Advocacy Efforts
Equitable Literacy for All Students
In 2023, Cherie along with a dedicated team of Parents, Advocates and Literacy Speciailist from across the State and Nation ,presented The Equitable Literacy for All Students Resolution to the California State PTA.
The Resolution, which was unanimously approved, authorizes all California State PTA members, their Units, Districts, Councils, and the State Legislative Team to advocate for evidence-based Teacher Training, Universal Screening K-2, Proficiency and progress Monitoring, and the mandate for Evidence-Based Structured Literacy Curriculums in all CA Public Schools.
s Please visit our advocacy partner: www.Equitableliteracyfor all.org for more information
1. WHEREAS,The 2022 results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) revealed that only 31% of California 4th graders performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level and 42% performed below NAEP Basic level of reading proficiency; and
2. WHEREAS,It has been demonstrated that by the end of first grade, 95% of students can learn to read if taught using comprehensive, evidence-based, structured literacy curricula that include, but is not limited to these essential components of learning to read: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Reading Fluency, Vocabulary, Text Comprehension, Knowledge Building, Oral Language teaching methods; and
3. WHEREAS,As reported by Yale University, an achievement gap exists as early as 1st grade between dyslexic and typical readers, but that achievement gap can potentially be narrowed with early reading interventions with evidence-based, structured literacy instruction. Further, 3 out of 4 students who do not read well in third grade remain poor readers in high school and beyond; and
4. WHEREAS,Evidence-based research shows students who experience reading failure face social, emotional, and mental health challenges, including but not limited to severe anxiety, depression, and trauma, at a rate 2 to 5 times greater than their peers; and
5. WHEREAS,A large percentage of youth involved in the justice system have low academic reading achievement. Higher levels of literacy are associated with greater success at achieving employment on release, and lower rates of re-arrest, and recidivism; and
6. WHEREAS,There is substantial evidence that illiteracy, including that from dyslexia, results in significant social and economic costs; and
7. WHEREAS,Senate Bill 488 (Rubio, 2022) requires all accredited teacher preparation programs to meet the reading instruction competence assessment standards that align with evidence-based preparation programs, and requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to revise and strengthen standards for teacher licensure that incorporate both evidence-based structured literacy and the California Dyslexia guidelines; and
8. WHEREAS,The implementation of SB 488 (Rubio 2022), which calls for strengthening of teacher preparation programs and state licensure requirements aligned with evidence-based structural literacy, is vital for the equitable literacy of all students
1. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts advocate for legislation and public policies that require public schools to conduct K-4th grade universal screenings for all children at entering and exiting each grade level, to identify those at risk of reading and literacy disorders; and screen for reading proficiency; and be it further
2. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts advocate for legislation and public policies that ensure children who are not reading proficiently upon entering or exiting grade levels K-4 are provided additional support and instruction to ensure their rights to equal access to all aspects of their education; and be it further
3. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts advocate for legislation and public policies to ensure that if the majority of children in a K-4th grade classroom are not reading at grade level proficiency as defined by state standards, the whole school or district needs to make changes to its literacy program to ensure it meets the needs of students through evidence-based, structured literacy instruction;, and be it further
4. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts work with schools, school districts, and families to educate them regarding evidence-based, structured literacy instruction, and be it further
5. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA and its units, councils, and districts advocate for legislation and public policies that ensure all students are taught reading based on comprehensive, evidence-based, structured literacy curricula; and be it further
6. RESOLVED,That the California State PTA, its units, councils, and districts support the establishment of a taskforce of experts in the field of evidence-based structured literacy to ensure creation and implementation of a statewide comprehensive literacy plan that includes, but is not limited to teacher preparation, coaching, and professional development requirements.
https://capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/resolutions/
We love
equitable literacy for all students
Bringing awareness, education and support to parents, teachers and others in an effort to ensure all children achieve success in literacy. Visit Equitable Literacy For All
decoding dyslexia ca
We strive to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and improve resources for students with dyslexia in California public schools. Visit DDCA
hopeville how to win the reading wars
In the USA only 35% of fourth graders and 34% of Eighth grade can read proficiently. Find here screening details for the film as well as podcasts and advocacy resources
the right to read project
We are a group of teacher, researchers, and activists committed to the pursuit, of equity trhough literacy. Find More information here