California Assembly Bill AB22

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/7/20
• Refer: 1/11/21
• Report Pass: 2/3/21
• Refer: 2/4/21
• Report Pass: 3/29/21
• Refer: 3/30/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Refer: 4/13/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/3/21
• Refer: 6/16/21
• Report Pass: 6/30/21
• Refer: 7/1/21
• Report Pass: 7/7/21
• Refer: 7/7/21
• Report Pass: 8/16/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Refer: 8/23/21
• Report Pass: 6/13/22
• Refer: 6/13/22
• Refer: 6/14/22
• Refer: 6/16/22
• Report Pass: 6/30/22
• Refer: 8/1/22
• Report Pass: 8/2/22
• Refer: 8/2/22
• Refer: 8/8/22
• Report Pass: 8/11/22
• Enrolled: 8/31/22
• Chaptered: 9/30/22
• Passed: 9/30/22

Caption

Preschool data: data collection.

Impact

The implementation of AB 22 is expected to have a significant impact on the preschool education framework in California. By standardizing data collection across preschool programs run by local educational agencies, the state aims to improve educational outcomes and track developments in the early education workforce. This legislative change aligns with previous efforts to expand access to transitional kindergarten, which has been predicted to create over 28,000 new teaching and staffing positions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 22, also known as the Preschool Data Collection Act, aims to enhance data collection for California's state preschool programs. It mandates the California Department of Education to begin collecting essential pupil data for every child enrolled in these programs by July 1, 2024. This includes information that aligns with data already collected for students in the transitional kindergarten setting. The intent is to create a robust data system that allows for longitudinal analysis of pupil educational progress from preschool through the 12th grade.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 22 appears to be largely positive, particularly among stakeholders in early childhood education. Proponents of the bill are hopeful that better data collection will lead to improved educational practices, policy decisions, and funding allocations. By focusing on the importance of quality early learning experiences, supporters view this bill as a critical step in addressing the achievement gaps present before children enter kindergarten.

Contention

While there is strong support for AB 22, some concerns may arise regarding the logistics of implementing the new data collection requirements and ensuring that they do not overburden local educational agencies. There might be debates on privacy issues related to the handling of pupil data and the potential need for additional resources to support educators in adapting to these changes. These aspects will likely be subjects of discussion as the bill progresses and is put into action.