In November 2016, California voters approved Proposition 58, also known as the CA Ed.G.E. Initiative. The purpose of the CA Ed.G.E. Initiative is to ensure that all children in California public schools receive the highest quality education, master the English language, and access high-quality, innovative, and research-based language programs that prepare them to fully participate in a global economy. (Education Code [EC] § 300(n).) 

The initiative authorizes school districts and county offices of education to establish language acquisition programs for both native and non-native English speakers, and requires school districts and county offices of education to solicit parent and community input in developing language acquisition programs. Language acquisition programs may include, but are not limited to, all of the following: 

Language Programs

Language acquisition programs are educational programs designed to ensure English acquisition occurs as rapidly and effectively as possible and provides instruction to English learners based on the state-adopted academic content standards, including English language development (ELD) standards. A description of the language acquisition programs provided at Stockton Unified School District are listed below.

Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program

A language acquisition program for English learners in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, but with curriculum and a presentation designed for pupils who are learning English. Students are offered ELD and access to grade-level academic subject matter content. Education Code (EC) sections 305(a)(2) and 306(c)(3).

Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) Program

Also referred to as Two-Way Immersion. A language acquisition program that provides language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language, with the goals of high academic achievement, first and second language proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding. This program begins in kindergarten (K) and continues through eighth grade. EC Section 306(c)(1). 

Developmental Bilingual

Instruction for English learners utilizing English and students’ native language for literacy and academic instruction, with the goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in English and the student’s native language. This program goes up to 6th grade. EC Section 306(c)(2).

310.  Parents or guardians; choice of language acquisition program; implementation requirements

1. Parents or legal guardians of pupils enrolled in the school may choose a language acquisition program that best suits their child pursuant to this section. Schools in which the parents or legal guardians of 30 pupils or more per school or the parents or legal guardians of 20 pupils or more in any grade request a language acquisition program that is designed to provide language instruction shall be required to offer such a program to the extent possible, based upon the requirements of Section 305.
2. If a school district implements a language acquisition program pursuant to this section, it shall do both of the following:
   1. Comply with the kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, inclusive, class size requirements specified in Section 42238.02.
   2. Provide, as part of the annual parent notice required pursuant to Section 48980 or upon enrollment, the parent or legal guardian of a minor pupil with information on the types of language programs available to pupils enrolled in the school district, including, but not limited to, a description of each program.

Parent Requests for New Program

Receiving and Tracking Parent Requests Each school is required to maintain written records of parent requests (including verbal requests) which include: 

• Date of request 
• Parent and child names 
• Description of request 
• Grade level 

5 CCR section 11311 requires that schools

• Assist parents in clarifying their request 
• Maintain records of each request for three years 
• Accept requests from students enrolled for the current year as well as the following school year 
• Monitor the number of parent requests for language acquisition or language programs on a regular basis throughout the year 
• Consider requests for a multilingual program model from parents of pupils enrolled in the school who are native speakers of English when determining whether a threshold is reached 

Reaching a Threshold 

When the parents of 30 pupils or more enrolled in a school, or when the parents of 20 pupils or more in the same grade enrolled in a school, request the same or substantially similar type of language acquisition or language program, the school responds by notifying the LEA immediately and taking the following three actions: 

1. Communication - Within 10 school days of reaching a threshold described above, the LEA notifies the parents of pupils attending the school, the school’s teachers, administrators, and the LEA’s English learner parent advisory committee and parent advisory committee, in writing, of the parents’ requests for a language acquisition program. 

2. Cost and Resource Analysis - The LEA then identifies costs and resources necessary to implement any new language acquisition or language program, including but not limited to: 
   • Certificated teachers with the appropriate authorizations 
   • Necessary instructional materials 
   • Pertinent professional development for the proposed program 
   • Opportunities for parent and community engagement to support the proposed program goals 

3. Determination - Having completed the costs and resource analysis, the LEA determines, within 60 calendar days of reaching a threshold described above, whether it is possible to implement the requested language acquisition or language program. At that time, the LEA provides notice, in writing, to parents of pupils attending the school, the school’s teachers, and administrators of its determination. 
   • Determination to implement a program at the school: In the case that the LEA determines it can implement the requested program, the LEA creates and publishes a reasonable timeline of actions necessary to implement the program. As a part of the implementation, the LEA confers with school personnel, including administrators, and teachers with the authorizations required to provide or oversee programs and services for English learners, regarding the design and content of language acquisition programs. 
   • Determination not to implement a program at the school: In the case that the LEA determines it is not possible to implement the program requested by parents, the LEA provides a written explanation of the reason(s) why the program cannot be provided. Further, the LEA may offer an alternate option that can be implemented at the school. Each school follows the process described above, even if the LEA, at the time the threshold is met, provides the requested language acquisition or language program at another school. Citations: EC sections 305 and 310; 5 CCR section 11311 and 11312. 

Click here for a request for form for a new language acquisition program | En Español