For more than a decade, Innovate has worked alongside parents and families to advocate for better schools. Today, that work extends beyond individual schools to the policies, institutions, and public systems that shape children’s opportunities and futures.
Our advocacy efforts show what that work looks like in practice. We sign coalition letters, submit comments to state agencies, engage directly with policymakers, and partner with organizations across California to elevate the priorities families identify through our organizing work.
Here’s a look at where we’ve been raising our voice recently, and why these issues matter to the families and communities we organize with:
Stronger Schools, Stronger Student Outcomes
AB 2555: Improving how California Supports English Learners
We support AB 2555 because it would make it easier and more consistent for English learner students to be recognized as proficient in English, replacing a decades-old process that varies across California. This bill successfully passed through the legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s approval and signature.
Redesign of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
We joined a letter calling for a simpler, more transparent LCAP process so families can better understand school plans, participate in decisions, and hold districts accountable for student outcomes.
High-Quality Literacy Professional Development under AB 1454
We shared concerns with the State Board of Education about the literacy professional development programs under consideration, and urged the board to approve only literacy training programs that meet California’s highest standards for quality and effectiveness. These actions bring forward the perspectives of the families we organize with across California.
English Language Arts and English Language Development Instructional Materials
We joined a letter asking the state to give educators, families, and local leaders clearer information about the strengths and limitations of reading and English learner instructional materials before they are approved for schools.
SB 1067: Requiring math difficulties screener for K-2 grade students
We support SB 1067 because it would require districts to implement a universal early math difficulties screener to identify students who may need additional support in math. This bill successfully passed through the legislature and is now awaiting the Governor’s approval and signature.
Equity and Public Investment
ACA 7: Advancing Educational Equity
We support ACA 7, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow California to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education and other government actions. This amendment will appear on the 2028 statewide ballot. (Fact sheet)
Federal Voucher Tax Credit Program
We joined EdTrust West’s Equity Alert calling on California leaders to opt out of a federal voucher tax credit program that would direct public tax dollars toward private schools.
The Systems Families Rely On
Broadband Access and Affordability
We joined a letter urging Governor Newsom to protect California’s net neutrality and broadband affordability laws instead of giving them up as a condition of receiving federal funding to expand internet access.
These efforts are part of our ongoing work to ensure families have the information, relationships, and opportunities to shape the decisions that affect their children and communities.