California Will Require Basic Math Screening for All K–2 Students

Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1067 last week to require a brief basic-math screener for every kindergartner, first-grader and second-grader in California.
• The California Department of Education must compile an approved list of screening tools that includes options for students who speak other languages at home, and schools are slated to begin testing in June 2028.
• Lawmakers and supporters say the screens aim to catch early numeracy gaps—skills like counting, number recognition and quantity understanding—so students can get small-group tutoring or intensive instruction before math grows more complex.
• The law provides no new dedicated funding; an Assembly Appropriations analysis estimated that paying for enough tutors and interventions could cost districts tens of millions annually even though a recent $4.4 billion state allocation for student supports may cover some needs.
• Teachers’ unions and other groups oppose universal screening for young children and warn that districts lack clear plans for culturally and linguistically appropriate tests and for delivering the follow-up help students will need.