The measure
What Proposition 58 did
Prop 58 ("English Proficiency. Multilingual Education.") was an initiative statute placed on the November 2016 ballot. It kept the goal of English proficiency for every student, but removed the requirement that schools reach it through English-only methods.
Background: Proposition 227 (1998)
In June 1998 California voters approved Proposition 227, "English for the Children", with about 61% of the vote. It declared that "all children in California public schools shall be taught English by being taught in English", and placed English learners in sheltered English immersion during a temporary transition period not normally intended to exceed one year.[6] Parents could request a waiver, but the effect was to end most bilingual programs in the state.
By 2016 that law was nearly two decades old. Prop 58's supporters argued it restricted the methods districts could use; opponents argued that it preserved parental choice. See the campaign.
What Prop 58 changed
| Area | Under Prop 227 | After Prop 58 |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction method | Sheltered English immersion for English learners; English-only classrooms. | Districts may adopt other research-based language programs; structured English immersion must still be offered. |
| Planning | No requirement to consult the community. | Districts must seek input from educators, parents and the community, and describe methods in their Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP). |
| English learners | Parent waivers needed to leave English immersion. | Schools must offer structured English immersion, but may adopt other approaches. |
| English-speaking students | Bilingual instruction was discouraged by the waiver process. | Districts are encouraged to provide programs so native English speakers can become proficient in a second language. |
Summary based on the Secretary of State's 2016 Official Voter Information Guide and the campaign's own description of the measure.[1][7]
What it did not do
- It did not mandate bilingual education. Districts decide, with community input.
- It did not drop the requirement that students become proficient in English.
- The Legislative Analyst found no notable fiscal effect on school districts or the state.[1]
Why it matters. By returning the decision to local districts, Prop 58 made it possible for the state to later adopt a multilingual policy vision. See looking ahead.