“Proficient reading is essential to greater success in life.

My child shouldn’t be denied his fundamental right.”

— FIS Parent Warrior

Dear Friend,

This week, we embark on a transformative journey to address the early literacy crisis that shadows the future of California’s children. The ability to read by third grade is more than an academic milestone; it is the gateway to lifelong learning and success.

Yet nearly 178,000 third-grade students (70%) from low-income communities are not meeting state standards for English Language Arts (ELA), and the vast majority of those falling behind are disproportionately Black and Latino children, English learners, and students with disabilities. Children who are not on grade level by the end of third grade rarely close this academic gap, which leads to life-long opportunity gaps.

As this LA Times editorial demonstrates, learning to read is absolutely an issue of social justice.

Given that every parent wants their child to learn to read, and with science pointing the way for how to effectively teach our children to read, Families In Schools and its ReadLA! campaign applauds Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, who yesterday introduced the “CA Kids Read” bill, AB 2222, endorsed by 13 bipartisan co-authors. The bill centers on three priorities:

• Evidence-Based Instructional Materials, including updating the state adoption list and requiring districts to use materials aligned with the science of reading.
• Professional Development for Teachers, including providing every K-5 teacher with the training and ongoing support to succeed with evidence-based practices.
• Teacher Preparation & Credentialing, to ensure that new teachers all receive early literacy training that reflects the science of reading.

This short bill explainer tells more about the bill and the process to get it passed.

To pass a major bill like this requires a statewide show of support. Most legislators know little about reading instruction - for many, this will be the first time they'll hear about the science of reading or the need for change.

We invite you to stand with us. Your help is vital for the bill's success. Sign our petition calling for sweeping comprehensive early literacy reform that we’re championing alongside EdVoice, Decoding Dyslexia, the 21st Century Alliance, the California Reading Coalition, and others. Visit www.californiakidsread.org to learn more and understand the full gravity of this issue.

California has a moral imperative to equip every child with the tools to unlock their fullest potential. By signing this petition, you voice your belief in our children’s rights to literacy, opportunity, and justice.

Here are other specific ways you can help:

• Join the Campaign - if you're able to do more - call, write, or text your legislators, call in or show up at public meetings - we can let you know when and how to have an impact. Give us your information and we'll let know how and when to be most effective.
• Endorse the Bill - if you are part of an organization, you can formally endorse the bill and join the growing statewide coalition. Email us at info@careads.org and we'll explain what to do.

It’s time for action. Kids deserve it and parents expect it. Together, we can change the course for millions of California’s children, ensuring that they can read and thrive.

Warmest regards,



Yolie Flores, President & CEO

About Families In Schools

For over 20 years, Families In Schools (FIS) has served low-income, immigrant, and communities of color, knowing that education remains the single most important opportunity for them. The mission of Families In Schools is to involve families and communities in their children’s education to achieve lifelong success.