California took a big step toward overhauling its reading curriculum last week when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill pushing for phonics-based instruction in elementary and middle school classrooms.

OpEd: On Nov. 1 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., bring your children to Joseph-Beth and get a voucher for a free book from Kentucky Humanities.

A funding approach to education that goes beyond the school system, and increases access to literacy tools for children and parents, disadvantaged or otherwise, should be part of the formula.

"It's a really great opportunity for our students," said Franklin Elementary Principal Heather Bice. "We value literacy so ...