Reading for Berkeley

BACKGROUND

For decades, there have been deep inequities in Berkeley. 

85% of white students read at grade level by 3rd grade, but only 29% of Black, 48% of economically disadvantaged, and 29% Learning Disabled students do. The data point to even worse outcomes for English Learners—only 19% can read at grade level in 3rd grade. (2025 CAASPP Data)


This isn't unique to Berkeley, but we are well positioned to finally do something about it. 


We are on a mission to ensure all students get effective reading instruction.

In November 2021, Berkeley Unified agreed to evaluate, monitor and change the way kids were taught to read at every level (tiers 1, 2 and 3). The first court monitor report was October 2022, and will continue bi-annually until 2025. We shared our concerns about the first progress report on the settlement in late October 2022.


Learn more

Download our "Further Reading" fact sheet with links to relevant information about the outcomes of not being able to read, the benefits of a structured approach, and more.

Write a letter

Take and edit our letter template to let our Board of Education know that the time is now to make substantive changes in order to reach educational equity. 

Resources for families

Click the image to download the resource

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE

Make sure your student is on track for reading success

Learn about key educational rights and what helpful questions to ask your school. This comprehensive resource is meant to help build a strong partnership between families and schools, as we work together to help all kids learn to read. 

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE

Parent-teacher conference worksheet

2 simple questions to ask your child's teacher. Teachers in BUSD elementary and middle schools meet with families every October to check in about how learning is going in the classroom. Open up avenues of conversation that center the power of evidence-based learning.

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE

Resources to keep learning at home

Resources from reputable sources to practice reading skills and improve comprehension at home, plus added sections on easy ways to help prevent 'summer slump'.

DOWNLOADABLE INFOGRAPHIC

Are you sure your student is doing well?

An infographic that covers the main points from "Actions for Reading Success."

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE

About K-8 testing in Berkeley Schools

You can find out if your student is on track by monitoring assessment results from August, December, and May testing windows. Find out how to get these scores and what to do with them if your child is at risk.

Presentations and press

Literacy Now Podcast

When do I take action when it comes to my child's right to read?

2025.12.24

Berkeleyside Op-ed

Actions for Reading Success

2023.06.01

KQED/EdSource

7 Years After Lawsuit, Berkeley Schools Slow to Adopt Effective Reading Curriculum

2024.01.24

GO! Public Schools

GO Literacy Panel: Improving literacy one district at a time: Learning from parent advocates across the state

2024.11.18

Berkeleyside

Berkeley schools to consider new literacy curriculum in response to 2017 lawsuit

2025.03.28

North Region SELPA

Right to Read Post-film Panel Discussion

2022.10.24

North Region SELPA

Understanding California's New Law on Mandatory Screening for K-2 Students' Reading Difficulties

2025.10.21

Progress reports and court monitor documents

An archive of the 12 quarterly Berkeley Unified School District reports and the 6 court monitor reports, as well as a link to the original settlement.

BUSD QUARTERLY REPORTS 2022-2025

COURT MONITOR REPORTS

CONTACT

Say hi, request help, or join us in advocacy efforts

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