What Your District Needs to Do This Month

California is undergoing sweeping legislative changes in 2025 that will affect equity, literacy instruction, anti-bias staff training, and more. For districts, the stakes are high — missteps cost funding, credibility, even legal risk.

Over the next 30 days, district leaders should follow this step-by-step readiness plan to ensure smooth implementation of the new laws. Dr. Stella Kemp and the SchoolLeaders.com team have distilled the most consequential bills into a practical roadmap. Use this guide to audit your curricula, update staff training, revise policies, communicate with your community—and avoid scrambling later.

Key 2025 Bills to Know (short overview)

BillWhat It Requires / ChangesWhy It Matters

‍AB 1454 - Science of Reading

‍Incentivizes / requires districts to adopt literacy materials & training based on phonics and foundational reading skills; state-approved lists of curricula; training for teachers & administrators. California reading scores have lagged; this aims to close gaps especially for English learners.

‍AB 715 - Anti-discrimination / Equity / Anti-Bias

‍Broadens protections in schools; establishes a state Office for Civil Rights in Education; mandates anti-bias training; strengthens complaint & monitoring mechanisms. Ensures safe, equitable learning environments; helps districts avoid liability and community backlash.

‍Other related reforms

‍For example, healthier school meals; ethnic studies / curriculum inclusivity; strengthening student supports, especially for underrepresented groups. These intersect with equity and wellness; neglecting them may undercut progress in literacy or anti-bias efforts.

Your 30-Day Readiness Checklist

Below is your action plan — what to do this month to get ahead.

1. Curriculum Audit & Materials Review
   • Inventory existing reading curricula: are they aligned with science-of-reading principles (phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension)?
   • Check if materials are on or can be aligned with state-approved lists.
   • Identify gaps: English learners, multilingual students, special education, culturally responsive content.
2. Staff PD & Training Roadmap
   • Map out current and planned PD: anti-bias / equity training? Literacy methods training?
   • Assess staff needs: Who needs training first? (Teachers, admin, support staff.)
   • Establish or revise a schedule and budget for PD that meets the new mandates.
3. Policy & Governance Updates
   • Review or draft/update district policies: anti-discrimination, complaint and grievance procedures, equity policies.
   • Ensure alignment with AB 715 (Office for Civil Rights oversight, reporting, monitoring).
   • Incorporate literacy policy tweaks as needed (e.g. reading intervention, screening, etc.).
4. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
   • Prepare communication templates (to staff, families, boards) explaining what the reforms are, what the district is doing, and how they will affect teaching & learning.
   • Plan forums or info sessions: parents, community, teacher leaders.
   • Transparent timeline: when changes will happen; how supports will be provided.
5. Data & Monitoring Systems
   • Establish baseline data for reading proficiency, disaggregated by subgroup.
   • Set up systems to monitor growth (e.g. intermediate assessments, fidelity checks).
   • Regular reporting to leadership / board / community.
6. Resource & Budget Allocation
   • Identify budget sources for curricula updates, PD, staffing.
   • Look for state funding, grants, or reallocations.
   • Plan for capacity building: internal expertise, coaches, or external partners.

Why SchoolLeaders.com

• We specialize in practical implementation, not just theory. If you have policy but need shoes on the ground execution, we partner with your district to co-develop training roadmaps, audit curricula, craft communication plans, and monitor implementation.
• Decades in district leadership, policy implementation, and hands-on reform.
• Downloadable tools, templates, and benchmark models included.

Download the Free 2025 Reform Readiness Checklist
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Book Your 20-Minute Readiness Consultation
Want custom help assessing your district’s status, identifying gaps, and building your month-by-month plan? Schedule a free 20-min call with our team.

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