(Just The News)—For Gavin Newsom, it’s personal.
The California governor, who has wrestled with his own dyslexia since childhood, Thursday stressed the need to do a better job with literacy throughout the state.
“I don’t read speeches [when delivering them] because I can’t, but that didn’t stop me from getting through high school and getting through elementary school” with the help of dedicated teachers, Newsom said as he announced his Golden State Literacy Plan during a live-streamed news conference at Clinton Elementary School in Compton, just south of downtown Los Angeles.
“There’s not a day go by when my dyslexia is not exposed, as anyone who has seen my writing knows,” Newsom said. He added it has become imperative to do more to help students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
To do that, the state has allocated $25 million to screen kindergartners and first- and second-grade students annually for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, beginning with the 2025-26 school year. The requirement for screenings is part of Senate Bill 114, which Newsom signed into law in 2023.
“We have a responsibility to do more and do better as it relates to the educational outcomes, particularly as it relates to literacy in this state,” Newsom said, standing in front of local and state officials and students.
“Literacy is the pathway to success,” Newsom said. “All of California’s kids deserve to discover the joys and benefits of reading and the power to formulate and express their ideas. I’m proud to unveil the Golden State Plan for Literacy today to give teachers, schools, and students the power to read – and succeed.”
The governor’s proposal includes new initiatives such as:
$2.1 billion to support full implementation of a transitional kindergarten for all California children who turn 4 years old by Sept. 1 of the school year. That includes prior years’ investments. There’s also an additional $1.2 billion to lower the student-to-adult ratio from 12 to 1 to 10 to 1 in every TK classroom.$1.7 billion for the Student Support and Discretionary Block Grant for professional development for teachers.$525.5 million for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which supports before-school, after-school and summer school programs. When added to previous funding, that brings total ongoing funding to $4.5 billion.$500 million for TK-12 literacy and math coaching.$378.6 million for additional Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant money to address areas such as low English Language Arts test scores.$200 million for evidence-based professional learning in literacy instruction for elementary school teachers. This was added during Newsom’s May budget revisions. This is one-time Proposition 98 General Fund money.$40 million to support costs related to literacy screenings and other professional development related to literacy instruction.$25 million to launch Literacy and Mathematics Networks statewide.$10 million in one-time Proposition 98 General Fund money for a county office of education to partner with the University of California, San Francisco to support the expansion of a reading difficulties screening tool in additional languages. This was also added during the May budget revisions. Authorizing the California Department of Education to draw down funding awarded through the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant. This is designed to improve student outcomes over five years, according to the governor’s plan, and was included in his May budget revisions.
Newsom noted California’s eighth-grade reading achievement on the National Assessment of Educational Progress improved more than any other state between 2011 and 2022. Additionally, California was one of three states that had the nation’s largest gains in fourth-grade reading.
But more work needs to be done, Newsom said.
Before Newsom spoke, Tony Thurmond, the state superintendent of public instruction, came to the podium and noted the governor has proposed more money for literacy and math coaches to work with students.
“We’re grateful for those programs that are built on top of the programs he has supported,” Thurmond said. He added that California’s goals include bilingual literacy so that one day every student will be able to speak more than one language.
“Literacy has the power to unlock countless doors for our students and transform their lives,” Thurmond said.
Thurmond and Newsom praised Clinton Elementary School and Compton Unified School District officials for their students’ scholastic achievements. Those welcoming the state leaders included school and district administrators, as well as Compton Mayor Emma Sharif.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
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The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.