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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA EDUCATION FUND
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Proposition 227 ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
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| Initiative Statute |
THE QUESTION
Should state law require that English be the language of instruction for all students in California public schools with some specified exceptions?
THE SITUATION
About 25 percent of enrolled students in California have limited English skills. These students are referred to as Limited English Proficient (LEP). California's Bilingual Education Act, which required primary language instruction for non-English speakers, expired in 1986. However, the State Board of Education continued to mandate its provisions for all school districts. In February 1998 a superior court judge ruled that primary language instruction is not required. The State Board of Education rescinded its policy and withdrew all requirements for primary language instruction. Local school districts may now design their own programs for LEP students.
THE PROPOSAL
The goal of Proposition 227 is to teach English to children in public schools as rapidly and effectively as possible. Most instruction would be in English. English learners would be placed temporarily in a program called sheltered English immersion. The Legislature would appropriate $50 million annually for ten years to subsidize English classes for adults who agree to tutor English learners.
FISCAL EFFECT
State Level: The Legislative Analyst says that total state spending on schools would probably not increase because of offsetting reductions in other school programs.
School District Level: In the near term, districts may have significant expenses in providing books and materials for a new program. The net impact could vary from school to school, and savings might result from reduction in the number of special classes offered.
SUPPORTERS SAY:
- Research shows that sheltered English immersion is the most effective method of teaching English to LEP children.
- Younger children learn a second language more easily, so English instruction should begin as soon as possible.
OPPONENTS SAY:
(Analysis prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.)
- Proposition 227 mandates a single, untested program for all school districts.
- Under Proposition 227, local school districts will not have the right to design their own programs for LEP students.
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Last updated: April 22, 1998
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Copyright 1998 League of Women Voters of California Education Fund. All rights reserved.