Today's Education Landscape & What We Learned from AB-84

California families have never had more educational choices than they do today.

Traditional public schools, homeschool programs, charter schools, independent study options, microschools, hybrid learning models, learning centers, private schools, online programs, and individualized academic support have become part of the educational landscape for hundreds of thousands of families across our state.

That's why the 2026 race for California Superintendent of Public Instruction is worth paying attention to. One of the candidates, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, is well known in education circles for his leadership as chair of the Assembly Education Committee and for his support of AB 84, a bill that generated significant debate among homeschool families, charter school communities, and education advocates. Muratsuchi is currently a candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The discussion surrounding AB 84 raises a broader question:

What does support for AB 84 tell us about a candidate's understanding of today's education landscape?

Education Has Changed

For many years, education discussions centered almost exclusively on traditional public schools. That is no longer the reality. Parents today are seeking educational environments that match their children's needs. Some families thrive in traditional schools. Others find success through charter schools, homeschooling, independent study, hybrid programs, or specialized learning environments.

Many families are not leaving traditional schools because they oppose public education. They are looking for flexibility. They are looking for individualized learning. They are looking for options that better support children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, medical needs, or unique learning styles. The growth of educational choice reflects a growing demand from families who want learning environments that fit their children rather than expecting children to fit a single educational model.

Why AB 84 Sparked Concern

Supporters of AB 84 argued that the bill would increase accountability and oversight of non-classroom-based charter schools and ensure public funds are used appropriately.

Opponents argued that the proposal would disproportionately impact many charter programs serving homeschool and independent-study families, reducing flexibility and limiting options that thousands of California families rely on.

Regardless of where someone stood on the bill, the response was impossible to ignore.

Parents organized. Families contacted legislators. Homeschool communities mobilized. Charter school families shared their stories.

The debate demonstrated something important: California families care deeply about educational choice.

The Rise of Homeschooling and Alternative Learning

One lesson from the AB 84 debate is that educational choice is no longer a small movement. Across California, families are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional educational models. Some seek greater flexibility. Some want more individualized instruction. Some need specialized support for learning differences.

Others want educational environments that allow students to move at their own pace. The reality is that education is becoming more personalized. Families are asking different questions than they were ten years ago. Instead of asking, "Which school should my child attend?" Many are asking, "What learning environment will help my child thrive?"

Are Policymakers Listening?

Perhaps the most important question raised by the AB 84 discussion is whether education policy is keeping pace with educational reality.

Families today want flexibility. They want innovation. They want accountability.

But they also want options. Educational leaders face a difficult balancing act: protecting taxpayer resources, ensuring quality programs, and maintaining accountability while also preserving the flexibility that many families value.

The challenge for any future Superintendent of Public Instruction will be understanding that California's educational landscape is no longer one-size-fits-all.

What Families Are Telling Us

As someone who works with both traditional-school and homeschool families every week, I hear a consistent message.

Parents want:

• Strong reading instruction

• Effective math instruction

• Early intervention

• Support for learning differences

• Safe learning environments

• Meaningful communication

• Flexibility when appropriate

• Educational options that fit their children

Most parents are not interested in political battles. They are interested in helping their children succeed. The families I meet are not choosing educational alternatives because they are against public education. They are choosing what they believe is best for their child.

Looking Forward

The Superintendent of Public Instruction has a tremendous influence on the future of education in California.

As voters evaluate candidates, discussions about bills like AB 84 provide an opportunity to examine broader questions about educational philosophy, accountability, school choice, flexibility, and the future of learning in our state.

The conversation is bigger than one bill. It is bigger than one candidate. It is about how California will respond to the changing needs of families and students.

Because one thing is clear:

Today's families are asking for more educational options, more flexibility, and more individualized pathways to success. The question for California's educational leaders is whether they are listening.

Why This Matters at My Learning Farm

At My Learning Farm, I work with students from traditional schools, charter schools, homeschool programs, and independent study programs.

What I've learned is simple:

Children do not all learn the same way.

Some need structured literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham practices.

Some need multi-sensory math instruction.

Some need individualized pacing.

Some need a different environment to build confidence and success.

The future of education should not be about choosing one pathway for every child. It should be about creating opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive. When we listen to families, support educators, embrace evidence-based practices, and remain open to innovation, we create a stronger educational system for everyone.