Nearly 6 in 10 third graders scored below grade level on California’s reading tests during most of the last decade.

A bill asking educators to adopt the "science of reading" emphasizes phonics. Will enough California teachers respond?

Many have few or no phonics skills, and some never went to elementary school. They lack the basics even in their home language.

Break down words into syllables and use phonics-based spelling techniques. Encourage the use of tactile learning (e.g., writing letters in sand or with finger paints). Repetition using word games or ...