Literacy in California

Literacy is the basic building block of education – it gives students access to knowledge and the ability to communicate with the world. It is the gateway to all other skills. Literacy allows young people to pursue higher education and get good jobs, and to become full participants in our democracy.

Ella T. v. State of California is a landmark education case brought under the California Constitution that seeks to vindicate the right of all students to access literacy, no matter their zip code. The case has been filed by Public Counsel and Morrison Foerster on behalf of California students who have been deprived of access to literacy and received schooling that is unequal to the schooling provided to other students in the State of California. The lawsuit demands that the State of California ensure that students receive:

  • evidence-based literacy instruction at the elementary and secondary level,
  • a stable, supported, and appropriately trained teaching staff,
  • opportunities for their parents and families to engage in students’ literacy education, and
  • school conditions that promote readiness for learning.
  • Time 1:22

This case is the California counterpart to Gary B. v. Snyder, which is the first federal case seeking to vindicate the right of all students of access to literacy under the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about the Gary B. case.

Literacy in California