Prop 227

Whats the story?

Before proposition 227, the Limited English Proficient program was very inefficient. Students were forced to stay in LEP classes for a number of years without truly understanding the English language. It was also difficult to find teachers that were willing to tutor bilingual students. With prop 227 there is now funding toward more effective classrooms, allowing students to go back to their required classes equipped with the tools to read, write, and understand as well as average English speakers in their grade. Arguably more important, after completing the course, ESP students are able to participate equally in the classroom.

Impact in our schools

History

Prop 227 forces schools to place limited English students in a fast-paced learning environment where bilingual students need to become English proficient within a year.

Schools need to hire more tutors to help with the intensive nature of the class.

• Only 29% of LEP students received instruction of academic content in their native language
• 1982-1997, the number of LEP students in California public schools increased by 220%
• 150 languages and dialects spoken in California schools
• Spanish is the first language for over 81%

http://www.wested.org/policy/pubs/prop227/main.htm

Prop 227

Prop 227 (1998)

Helpful Resources

Proposition 227 changes the way that "Limited English Proficient" (LEP) students are taught in California.

Requires schools to teach special classes for LEP students in complete English eliminating most "bilingual" classes.

Within 1 year the LEP students should have a good, clear understanding of the English language and are to be moved back into regular classes.

<http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_227,_the_%22English_in_Public_Schools%22_Initiative_(1998)>

This site is dedicated to politics and sharing information on the issues that receive less attention in the media. Ballotpedia had overall information of the proposition, background information, and impact of the issue.

<http://primary98.sos.ca.gov/VoterGuide/Propositions/227.htm>

A government official site that has the proposed text, analysis, and arguments for and against the proposition. Not as easy to read as Ballotpedia, but has an easy layout to read.

http://www.wested.org/policy/pubs/prop227/main.htm

If you are looking for the numbers, this is the site for you. Packed full of statistics as well as anecdote portions of information specific to Prop 227. Easy to read and understand.

*Government provides $50 million every year for ten years of English class for adults who promise to tutor LEP students

Sierra June Meyers

Kathryn Ebert

Sarena Robertson