CalMatters: California's Journey with Bilingual Education

California's journey with bilingual education is as rich and complex as its diverse population. In a recent article by CalMatters, journalist Tara García Mathewson explores the state’s history, from the restrictive Proposition 227 in 1998, which enforced English-only instruction, to the hopeful repeal with Proposition 58 in 2016. Despite these shifts, the road to rebuilding bilingual education in California has been steep, hampered by teacher shortages and insufficient funding.

This piece is a must-read for policymakers, education leaders and families alike, offering actionable strategies to ensure multilingual learners and all students in California—and beyond—can thrive academically, culturally, and economically.

Progress, Challenges and Promise

The article delves into teacher shortages and insufficient funding that have slowed the expansion of dual-language immersion programs - programs which offer students significant academic and cultural benefits. Unlike traditional bilingual programs that transition students to English-only instruction, dual-language programs aim to maintain bilingualism by teaching in two languages throughout the school day. Research shows these programs lead to higher test scores, better college readiness, and greater success in the workforce.

Districts like San Bernardino City Unified and Madera Unified highlight what’s possible with commitment and community support. San Bernardino preserved its bilingual programs even during California’s English-only era, and student success data affirmed the value of these efforts. Dual-language students in these districts outperform their peers academically while gaining the long-term benefits of bilingualism. Madera Unified’s dual-language schools reflect a growing recognition of the value of linguistic diversity. These programs prepare students for success, embracing their cultural heritage while equipping them with skills for a global economy.

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In the article, Dr. Bárbara Flores, a lifelong advocate for bilingual education, shares her story of overcoming discrimination as a Spanish-speaking student in an English-only system. Her alma mater, Washington Elementary in Madera, now a dual-language school, reflects the progress made over decades of advocacy. Flores’ journey highlights the importance of embracing linguistic diversity as an asset.

The article goes on to share that despite these successes, California still has work to do. Only 10% of English learners are enrolled in dual-language programs, compared to 40% in Texas. Anya Hurwitz, Executive Director of SEAL, emphasizes the importance of investment stating:

"Funding is not the solution to everything in and of itself, but at the same time, we can’t build capacity without funding and resources."

While the article shines a light on bright spots that demonstrates how leadership and community engagement can drive success, it's clear: for California to meet its ambitious 2030 goal of having half of its students on a bilingual path, systemic investments in teacher training, policy reforms, and equitable funding are essential.

Read the full article to explore actionable strategies and join the call to secure a brighter, bilingual future for California’s children. 

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This summary is based on an article by Tara García Mathewson, a reporter specializing in K-12 education for CalMatters.

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