California Candidates Propose Plans to Boost Statewide Test Scores

Experts weigh in on how to improve math and English achievement across diverse school districts

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:10am

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As part of an editorial board's election coverage, several candidates for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction shared their ideas for boosting statewide test scores and closing achievement gaps. The candidates discussed strategies like strengthening early math instruction, addressing chronic absenteeism, expanding access to advanced coursework, and using data-driven interventions to support struggling students.

Why it matters

California's recent test scores in English and math have raised concerns, with less than half of students meeting state standards. Improving academic achievement is crucial for ensuring all students have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. The State Superintendent race presents an opportunity to hear different visions for how to tackle this challenge.

The details

The candidates offered a range of proposals. Richard Barrera of San Diego Unified emphasized the importance of strong early math foundations, staffing stability, and targeted academic support. Josh Newman, a former state senator, called for a coherent, evidence-based strategy focused on improving math instruction, addressing chronic absenteeism, and expanding access to advanced coursework. Sonja Shaw of Chino Valley Unified stressed the need to return to teaching basic math skills clearly and providing early intervention for struggling students. Anthony Rendon, the former state Assembly Speaker, advocated for collaborative efforts with stakeholders to identify and implement the best current methods. And Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi highlighted the value of early childhood education and evidence-based practices like the 'science of reading.' Nichelle Henderson of the LA Community College District proposed changes to assessments and instruction to ensure students demonstrate mastery of content.

  • In 2024-25, just 48.82% of students met the state's standards on English Language Arts and 37.30% met the state's standards on mathematics.

The players

Richard Barrera

A San Diego Unified School board member and advisor at the California Department of Education.

Josh Newman

A former State Senator and Senior Fellow at the UCI School of Social Ecology.

Sonja Shaw

The president of the Chino Valley Unified School District.

Anthony Rendon

The former state Assembly Speaker.

Al Muratsuchi

A California Assemblyman.

Nichelle Henderson

A board member of the Los Angeles Community College District.

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What they’re saying

“California shouldn't treat a return to pre-pandemic scores as acceptable, especially when the earlier baseline already reflected large racial and economic gaps. Improving math achievement means strengthening instruction and also addressing the barriers that keep students from learning consistently.”

— Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School board member and advisor at the California Department of Education

“Returning to pre-pandemic levels isn't a victory when those levels were already unacceptable. The recent scores cited in the question aren't statistics to manage, they're evidence of a generational failure that demands urgency, not incrementalism.”

— Josh Newman, Former State Senator/Senior Fellow, UCI School of Social Ecology

“California's math scores should worry every parent. 37% is not even close to good enough. and getting back to pre-pandemic levels is not success. We've returned to a benchmark that was already failing too many kids.”

— Sonja Shaw, President of the Chino Valley Unified School District

“There isn't one specific measure that's a silver bullet for academic achievement, the reality is effective collaboration with school districts, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders allows us to find the best current methods and tools to improve academic performance.”

— Anthony Rendon, Former state Assembly Speaker

“Research data clearly shows that early childhood care and learning make the biggest difference in establishing a lifelong foundation for student academic success and well-being, as well as in closing opportunity and achievement gaps based on income and race.”

— Al Muratsuchi, California Assemblyman

What’s next

The candidates' proposals will be considered by voters as part of the upcoming state superintendent election.

The takeaway

Improving academic achievement for all California students is a critical priority, with candidates for state superintendent offering a range of strategies to boost test scores and close persistent achievement gaps. Addressing this challenge will require a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that engages diverse stakeholders.