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California Bill to Catch Math Struggles in Youngest Students Heads to Governor’s Desk

This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter. In a step toward giving math the attention early literacy has gotten, the Legislature on Monday approved a bill that would require schools to assess the math capabilities of all students in kindergarten through second grade each year, beginning in 2028-29. The...
By John Fensterwald, EdSource | August 27, 2026
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California School Districts Battle for $3.9 Billion They Argue Is Due Now, Not Later

This story was originally published EdSource. In coming days, school districts will find out whether their pressure campaign worked to persuade Gov. Gavin Newsom to turn over the $3.9 billion he planned to withhold, for now, from next year’s state funding for schools and community colleges. By midnight Monday, June 15, the state Legislature must pass...
By John Fensterwald, EdSource | June 16, 2026
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Researchers: California Needs to Double Down on Attention to Math

This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter. State leaders’ recent attention to early literacy has led to funding and new programs to help close the literacy achievement gap. But math? The state hasn’t focused on it. And that neglect shows. State and national scores reflect many of California’s systemic weaknesses,...
By John Fensterwald, EdSource | May 20, 2026
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With Literacy Policies on the Books, Advocates Target Early Math

This story was published on EdSource. Buoyed by their successful strategies for early literacy, California legislators and advocacy groups are calling for a parallel approach to math. This week, they proposed that all school districts be required to screen children for math difficulties annually in the early grades, as the first step toward adopting a...
By John Fensterwald, EdSource | February 25, 2026