Letter in support of AB 1121

March 3, 2025  
The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee 
1020 N Street, Room 159
Sacramento, CA, 95814

Re:  AB 1121 (Rubio) – SUPPORT

Dear Honorable Chair Muratsuchi: 

On behalf of SF Parent Coalition, I am writing in support of AB 1121 (Rubio). Learning to read is the foundation for all academic learning, yet many students struggle to read on grade level in California. According to the latest data from California’s standardized tests, only three in 10 third-grade students from low-income communities are on grade level in English language arts, compared with six in 10 of their higher-income peers. The state also trails other states in reading, with some of the nation’s widest achievement gaps for English learners, students of color, and low-income students. Children in California deserve better.  This is a serious and deep inequity that must be addressed immediately. 

AB 1121 will accelerate California’s progress in teaching children to read by requiring that evidence-based instruction practices are built into professional development and instructional materials. The legislation has two essential policy priorities to strengthen literacy instruction:

• Professional development: Requires paid professional development for current TK to grade 5 reading teachers and administrators who have not received training in effective means of teaching literacy and evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills as defined in current law (Education Code (EC) section 44259(b)(4)(A) and (B)) and already required for new teachers (SB 488 (Rubio)). 

• Instructional materials: Requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to update the state instructional materials list to align with evidence-based means of teaching literacy (as defined in current law) and the ELA/ELD framework; local school districts will be required to adopt materials from the list but can receive a waiver from SBE to use other basic materials provided the materials are also in alignment.

San Francisco Parent Coalition centers the needs of children and youth in San Francisco public schools by bringing together a diverse network of parents and caregivers to advocate for a thriving, equitable school system. Engaging families from every neighborhood across San Francisco and from over 100 public schools, we envision a future where San Francisco is one of the best places in the country for children and youth of all races, socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities to grow up and get an excellent public education. We are supporting AB 1121 (Rubio) because it provides additional supports needed to ensure our public school students receive a quality education and close literacy gaps.

Gaps in early learning often translate into lifelong opportunity gaps.  California has one of the nation’s highest adult illiteracy rates (28%). These deeply rooted inequities start with a lack of access to effective literacy instruction in California classrooms and demand urgent legislative action.

We must prioritize equitable access to opportunity for children by ensuring they can read. AB 1121 is one step closer to dismantling barriers that hinder equal opportunities for children, fostering a more just and equitable society. This is not just an education issue; it’s a social justice issue. We urge your aye vote on this bill.

Meredith Dodson

Executive Director, SF Parent Coalition

Representing SF public school families across AD 17 and AD 19

CC: The Honorable Blanca E. Rubio, Member, California State Assembly, 48th District
The Honorable Members of the Assembly Education Committee