California education isn’t as bad as Steve Hilton says — it’s worse
California’s public schools are struggling, with only 46% of fourth-graders reading at grade level and nearly 20% of students classified as English learners. Critics argue that late adoption of phonics, lack of accountability, and generous sanctuary policies are key factors. The state’s large budge…
California’s public schools are at a crossroads. Recent data reveal that just 46% of fourth‑grade students read at grade level, a modest rise from 40% in 2013 but still far below national averages. Meanwhile, English learners account for nearly 20% of the student body, a figure that complicates instruction and stretches resources thin.
Reading Scores and the Phonics Gap
In 2013, California ranked 47th in the nation for fourth‑grade reading proficiency, with only 40% of students meeting standards. By 2025, that number had climbed to 46%, a 6% increase over 13 years. For comparison, Mississippi—often cited as a model for educational reform—saw its fourth‑grade reading and math scores rise from the bottom of the rankings to above the national average during the same period. Mississippi’s success is largely attributed to an early and sustained emphasis on phonics, a systematic approach to teaching the sounds that make up words.
California’s delayed adoption of phonics has left many students behind. Without a strong foundation in decoding, students struggle to read fluently, which in turn hampers their progress in other subjects. The state’s reliance on whole‑language strategies has not produced the same gains seen in states that prioritized phonics from an early age.
Accountability and the Role of Standards
Mississippi’s model includes strict accountability: students who fail reading benchmarks in third grade are held back until they meet required standards. This approach forces schools to focus on measurable outcomes rather than merely maintaining appearances. California, in contrast, has been criticized for a lack of rigorous accountability mechanisms. Teachers and administrators often face pressure to meet targets without sufficient support, leading to uneven progress across districts.
Proposition 98 guarantees that 40% of California’s general fund is allocated to education, yet critics argue that the money is not being directed toward foundational skills. Instead, significant portions of the budget are diverted to contentious policy debates, such as discussions over gender identity disclosures and the allocation of resources to support students from immigrant families.
English Learners and Sanctuary Policies
The California Department of Education reports that in the 2022‑23 school year, there were approximately 1.113 million English learners, representing 19.01% of public school enrollment. This high proportion of students needing English as a second language places additional demands on teachers, who must balance instruction across a diverse linguistic landscape.
Educators like Pamela Swicegood, a retiring teacher from Antioch High School, note that the presence of non‑English‑speaking students can limit the time available for advanced coursework. Swicegood explains, “In any given year I have had five or six students who do not speak or read English. That not only places them in a difficult environment but limits my ability to help students who need that course for college.”
Budget, Priorities, and the Future of California Education
California’s budget exceeds $350 billion, with a significant portion earmarked for education. However, many argue that the state’s priorities have shifted toward high‑profile controversies rather than addressing core educational deficits. The debate over whether teachers or students should have a say in parental access to information about gender identity is one example of policy focus that critics say detracts from essential reforms.
Looking ahead, voters face a critical decision in the upcoming election. If the current trajectory continues, students—especially those from marginalized communities—may find themselves at a disadvantage compared to peers in states that have implemented more rigorous reading programs and accountability measures. The outcome will hinge on whether new leadership can recalibrate priorities to emphasize foundational skills, accountability, and equitable resource distribution.
In sum, California’s educational challenges are multifaceted, rooted in historical policy choices, resource allocation, and demographic shifts. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive strategy that balances fiscal responsibility with a renewed focus on literacy and accountability.
Why it matters
California’s educational performance directly affects the future opportunities of its students and the state’s economic competitiveness. Without targeted reforms, disparities will widen, limiting social mobility and innovation.
Key points
- Only 46% of fourth‑graders read at grade level, a modest improvement over 13 years.
- Mississippi’s phonics‑focused approach has led to significant gains in reading and math.
- California’s high percentage of English learners strains teacher resources and instructional time.
- Proposition 98 guarantees 40% of the state budget for education, yet accountability measures lag.
- Sanctuary policies and high‑profile controversies divert attention from foundational reforms.
- Election outcomes will determine whether California can redirect resources toward literacy and accountability.
Frequently asked questions
Why is phonics important for early reading success?
Phonics teaches students the relationship between sounds and letters, enabling them to decode new words and build reading fluency.
How does the percentage of English learners affect classroom instruction?
Teachers must allocate time to language acquisition, which can reduce the time available for advanced content and support other students.
What is Proposition 98?
Proposition 98 is a California ballot measure that requires a minimum percentage of the state’s general fund—currently 40%—to be spent on public education.
