Governor Gavin Newsom visited Clinton Elementary School in Compton on Thursday to highlight the academic progress made by the Compton Unified School District and to promote his broader educational agenda and champion literacy for California. Standing alongside Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, Newsom commended the district for making strides that outpace most others across both the state and the country.
“We have seen academic growth that outpaces almost all districts in the state of California and across the nation,” Brawley stated, crediting the district’s hard work and community engagement. The governor’s visit focused on recognizing this progress and aligning it with his push for widespread Champion Literacy improvement under the Golden State Champion Literacy Plan.
This Champion Literacy initiative is a cornerstone of Newsom’s educational policy, reflecting his commitment to bolstering reading skills statewide. Despite California facing a projected $12 billion decline in revenue, Newsom emphasized that investment in education remains a top priority.
Ambitious Programs for Early and Extended Learning
As part of his educational vision, Newsom outlined several key initiatives aimed at transforming public education. One such program seeks to lower the student-to-teacher ratio from 12:1 to 10:1, allowing for more personalized attention and support for students. Additionally, he is advocating for the expansion of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to every school district in the state.
Newsom is also advancing a significant $4.4 billion plan to implement both “After School for All” and “Summer School for All” programs. These initiatives aim to provide students with up to nine hours of enriched learning per day during the academic year, along with a minimum of 30 days of subsidized summer learning.
“Unprecedented in California history,” Newsom said, describing the scope and ambition of these extended learning opportunities. These efforts are designed not only to boost academic achievement but to provide consistent, supportive environments for children who might otherwise lack access to such resources outside regular school hours.
A Personal Mission to Improve Champion Literacy
Governor Newsom also shared a personal connection to his education policies, revealing that his own challenges with dyslexia have been a driving force behind his focus on Champion Literacy. “People were persistent and had my back, and people didn’t give up on me,” he reflected. “I struggle with it every single day. There’s not a day where my dyslexia does not expose itself.”
By openly discussing his learning disability, Newsom underscored the importance of accessible, supportive education systems that address diverse student needs. His experience has shaped his resolve to ensure that no student is left behind because of learning differences or lack of opportunity.
Newsom’s visit to Compton serves as both a recognition of local success and a call to action across California. Despite financial headwinds, the governor is pressing forward with expansive education reforms that aim to reshape the learning landscape for millions of students across the state.
