Firefly Tutors’ Stance on California AB 84: Protecting Educational Choice and Flexibility
As California’s education landscape continues to evolve, the proposed legislation is playing a significant role in shaping how students access learning opportunities across the state. One bill in particular—California AB 84—has drawn considerable attention due to the far-reaching implications it could have on non-classroom-based charter schools, flexible learning models, and the families who depend on them for personalized, accessible education.
These schools serve a diverse range of students, including those with special needs, unique learning styles, medical conditions, or family circumstances that make traditional classroom settings less effective for them. For many of these students, non-classroom-based programs provide the structure, liberty, and support they need to thrive.
At Firefly Tutors, we believe in expanding—not restricting—access to high-quality, customized education. We’ve seen firsthand how individualized instruction and strong school-vendor partnerships transform lives. That’s why we’re speaking out against AB 84 and advocating for more innovative, more balanced reforms.
This academic regression not only affects performance in the fall but also builds up year after year, widening achievement gaps between students who have enriching summers and those who don't.
What Is California AB 84?
AB 84, introduced by Assembly member Muratsuchi, is a legislative effort aimed at increasing oversight, accountability, and transparency in California’s charter school system, especially for non-classroom-based (NCB) charter schools. While the bill claims to improve operational integrity, many of its provisions could unintentionally dismantle the very systems that allow NCB programs to thrive.
Key Provisions of AB 84:
- Imposes strict limitations on the use of non-credentialed educational vendors, even if credentialed teachers supervise their services.
- Proposes funding formula changes that could result in significant financial reductions for charter schools.
- Increases reporting and oversight requirements that could add a bureaucratic burden to already accountable and accredited schools.
These changes would disproportionately impact non-classroom-based charter schools, many of which rely on flexible partnerships with enrichment providers to offer high-quality learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Why Firefly Tutors Is Concerned
Firefly Tutors partners with public charter networks, such as IEM Schools, Cabrillo Point Academy, and Visions in Education, to deliver high-quality, enrichment-focused instruction to students who learn best outside the traditional classroom model. We work with families seeking flexibility, customization, and one-on-one academic support, and our tutors are independent educational specialists who bring subject-matter expertise in everything from math and science to coding and creative writing.
If California AB 84 becomes law in its current form, these partnerships will be at risk. The bill would significantly limit schools’ ability to contract with vendors unless they hold teaching credentials, effectively excluding professionals who are skilled, experienced, and supervised but not certified through traditional pathways.
The Impact on Students and Families
The bill’s unintended consequences could include:
- Reduced access to enrichment programs like STEM, music, art, and foreign language
- Elimination of partnerships with qualified experts in specialized fields
- Less flexibility for families seeking educational models tailored to their child’s unique needs
- Disruption of services for students with learning differences, medical needs, or social-emotional challenges
This shift threatens the very foundation of educational choice in California, particularly for students who have thrived in non-classroom-based charter schools because of their ability to learn in ways that suit their lifestyles and needs.
AB 84 vs. SB 414: Two Very Different Paths
In contrast to AB 84, SB 414—introduced by Senator Ashby—offers a more balanced and thoughtful approach. While both bills aim to improve oversight and accountability, only SB 414 achieves this goal without dismantling the flexible learning models that support thousands of California students.
Key Differences:
- Vendor Restrictions
- AB 84: Limits the use of non-credentialed vendors, even if supervised by credentialed teachers.
- SB 414: Maintains flexibility by allowing non-credentialed experts with reasonable qualification standards.
- Funding Formula
- AB 84: Proposes cuts that could destabilize non-classroom-based (NCB) charter school budgets.
- SB 414: Preserves current funding while adding appropriate accountability measures.
- Oversight & Accountability
- AB 84: Introduces broad, potentially burdensome state oversight and reporting requirements.
- SB 414: Focuses on meaningful, structured audits and streamlined policy enforcement.
- Impact on Flexibility
- AB 84: Threatens the independence and adaptability of personalized learning models.
- SB 414: Protects and promotes educational choice in California.
This is why Firefly Tutors supports SB 414. It prioritizes student needs and ensures access to enrichment opportunities. It encourages transparency, without undermining the proven success of non-classroom-based charter schools.
Independent Educational Vendors Are Essential
For many NCB charter schools, independent vendors are not just enrichment providers—they are essential contributors to a student’s educational journey. These individuals bring:
- Real-world expertise in areas like robotics, performing arts, and financial literacy
- Diverse teaching backgrounds that appeal to different types of learners
- Flexible scheduling that accommodates families balancing complex life circumstances
Restricting vendor access, as proposed in the AB 84 charter schools policy changes, would drastically reduce the breadth and depth of offerings available to families. Many students would lose the hands-on learning and personalized attention they rely on, particularly in rural, neurodivergent, or homeschool communities where flexibility is key.
What You Can Do: Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Although AB 84 has already passed the Assembly and cleared key policy committees, the bill is still under review in the Senate and has not yet become law. This means there is still time to speak out and influence the final outcome. As the legislative process continues, it’s more important than ever for families, educators, and community partners to stay engaged and make their voices heard.
Here’s how you can help:
- Contact your state senator and urge them to oppose AB 84
- Reach out to members of the Senate Education Committee
- Join the APPLE Alliance on Facebook for daily advocacy prompts
Even a short email or phone call can make a big difference, especially when it comes from educators, parents, or service providers whose livelihoods and student outcomes are directly impacted.
Firefly Tutors Stands With Families, Students, and Schools
At Firefly Tutors, we remain committed to educational choice in California. We have seen firsthand the positive outcomes that result from flexible, personalized tutoring and enrichment. We’ve worked alongside non-classroom-based charter schools for years, helping thousands of students thrive in ways that aren’t possible within traditional school structures.
We strongly oppose California AB 84 because it threatens these proven models. It undermines family choice. It reduces access to enrichment. And it disregards the valuable partnerships that make charter schools innovative and effective.
We urge lawmakers to pursue thoughtful reform through SB 414, which strikes the right balance between accountability and autonomy without sacrificing the educational freedom that empowers students.
Moving Forward Together
The future of charter school education in California is at a crossroads. As legislation like California AB 84 threatens to limit flexibility and restrict access to enrichment, it’s more important than ever to protect the educational models that genuinely work for diverse learners.
Firefly Tutors believes in preserving what makes non-classroom-based charter schools so impactful—personalized learning, real-world instruction, and family choice. These programs support students who thrive outside of traditional classrooms and rely on vendor partnerships to deliver meaningful, customized education.
We proudly stand with the families, educators, and charter school partners who make alternative education possible. Together, we can protect educational choice, promote effective reform, and ensure students continue to have access to the tools and support they deserve.
Join Firefly Tutors in defending that future.
