California is one step closer to giving its youngest students an early math check-up — and, if needed, a boost — under legislation now awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature.
The measure would require public schools to test all kindergartners along with first- and second-graders on foundational math skills, then provide tutoring or other targeted support to those who fall behind. For Inland Empire families, where math proficiency rates have long trailed state averages in many districts, the bill could mean earlier intervention before small gaps become years-long struggles.
State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, a San Diego Democrat, authored the bill after years of disappointing math results statewide. Just 37% of California students met grade-level math standards last year — an improvement over the prior year, but still short of pre-pandemic performance. By high school, only about 30% of students meet state math standards, with Black, Latino and low-income students posting the weakest scores.
Marshall Tuck, chief executive of the education advocacy group EdVoice, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the goal is to catch struggling students before they fall permanently behind.
“This bill will help more kids so they don’t get stuck at the starting line in math,” Tuck said. “There’s still a lot more to do, but this is an important step.”
Senate Bill 1067 would require schools to administer straightforward assessments — for kindergartners, that might mean identifying which numbers are bigger or smaller, understanding number order, or grasping what a given quantity represents. Students found to be struggling would receive individual or small-group support to help them catch up.
Because math skills build on one another, educators say early gaps tend to compound. A student who doesn’t master addition often struggles later with multiplication and fractions, which in turn makes algebra far more difficult. Some California districts, including Los Angeles Unified and Compton Unified, already screen young students for basic math skills and have reported notable score improvements as a result.
If Newsom signs the bill — he has until the end of September to act — schools would begin administering the assessments in 2028.
The legislation passed the Senate unanimously and cleared the Assembly 71-0, with eight members abstaining, despite opposition from the California Teachers Association, the state’s largest teachers union, along with several other education organizations. Critics argued that additional mandated testing adds stress and fatigue for young students without necessarily improving outcomes. They contend the state would be better served investing in improved math instruction training for teachers.
The CTA has also opposed other education measures in recent years, including a 2023 dyslexia screening bill and legislation this year aimed at streamlining California’s education governance structure. Both measures passed with bipartisan backing, a pattern some observers say suggests lawmakers are increasingly willing to move forward on education bills even without union support.
“I think legislators recognize the issue is urgent,” Tuck said. “The state needs to do more to help students, particularly low-income students, in math.”
CTA President David Goldberg pushed back on the idea that the union’s influence in Sacramento is fading. He noted the union backs hundreds of bills each session and isn’t surprised when some it opposes ultimately pass. Goldberg pointed to recent state investments in special education and community schools, along with the union’s support for Richard Barrera, a relatively unknown candidate who won the June primary for state superintendent over several established Legislature veterans. He also cited successful teacher strikes across the state this year that resulted in higher pay and expanded benefits.
“That said, sometimes things pass that we oppose, and we have to deal with that,” Goldberg said.
Lawmakers amended the bill several times in response to concerns raised during the legislative process. One change allows districts that already use qualifying math assessments to continue doing so rather than adopt a new one. Another ensures parents are informed of their child’s results.
Yolie Flores, president of the nonprofit Families in Schools, which advocates for stronger school relationships with underserved families across Los Angeles, said that update was especially welcome.
“I tell parents, think of this as a well-baby check-up,” Flores said. “You want to know how your kid is doing, so you can get them help if they need it. Sometimes the report card doesn’t tell the whole story.”
The proposed screener adds to a series of recent state efforts to address California’s stubborn math struggles, which took a back seat to reading recovery efforts in the years following the pandemic. The state has rolled out a new math curriculum framework and textbooks, expanded transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds, and significantly increased funding for community schools that provide wraparound services meant to improve attendance and academic performance.
Tuck said his next priority is pushing the state to strengthen math training for both current teachers and those still working toward their credentials.
Vince Stewart, vice president of policy and programs at the nonprofit Children Now, said his organization would like to see California adopt a more comprehensive strategy rather than addressing math achievement through piecemeal legislation. He said any broader effort should include teacher preparation, ongoing professional development and solutions to the state’s shortage of qualified math teachers.
Children Now did not take a formal position on SB 1067, Stewart said, but the organization “absolutely believes there’s an issue with math performance in California.”
Original source: CalMatters
