California Governor Newsom Launches $4B Golden State Literacy Plan Expanding Education Access

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched the Golden State Literacy Plan aimed at significantly improving literacy outcomes for students across the state. The plan builds on recent gains in reading proficiency, including California's notable improvements in fourth and eighth grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and includes investments such as deploying over 1,000 literacy coaches to high-need schools. Newsom, who has dyslexia himself, emphasized the importance of early detection and support for reading difficulties, with $25 million allocated annually to screen young students starting in the 2025-26 school year. The plan also proposes substantial funding for expanding transitional kindergarten, reducing student-teacher ratios, and providing extensive after-school and summer learning opportunities. State education leaders praised the initiative for its comprehensive approach, which includes professional development for educators and evidence-based literacy instruction. Despite setbacks during the pandemic, California continues to make progress, and Newsom's plan seeks to ensure all students have access to quality literacy education statewide.