California Bill Would Make 'English Learner' Label Uniform In School

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) - A bill that would require the state Department of Education to review and analyze how California schools identify English learners has been sent to Gov. Jerry Brown's desk for consideration.

State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) said he felt compelled to draft the legislation, SB 1108, based in part on statistics suggesting nearly 1 in every 4 California public school students is an "English learner," meaning not quite proficient in the English language, as compared to standards established by age and grade level.

"Unfortunately, we have a school district-by-school district and in some cases a school-by-school criteria as to assessing that level of proficiency," said Padilla. "This bill simply seeks to identify the best practices of English learner instruction and reclassification criteria to create a statewide standard."

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

If the governor signs the bill, the Department of Education would have until January 2014 to complete its assessment of the system.

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