As a child, Blanca Rubio was given coloring books rather than reading lessons, because she didn't speak English fluently. Now, she is spearheading an effort to require California school districts to teach all the basic skills needed for children to learn to read, based on research.

How will reading instruction change if a new bill authored by Rubio becomes law? What obstacles might it face?

Guests:

• Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), California State Assembly
• John Fensterwald, Editor-at-large, EdSource

Read more from EdSource:

• Setting aside local control, legislation would mandate how to teach reading in California
• Advocates for English learners and the 'science of reading' sign on to joint statement
• California's plan to change literacy instruction advances
• California does little to ensure all kids read by third grade
• A movement rises to change the teaching of reading

Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource’s Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald.