In June of 1998, Proposition 227 was passed by 61% of the California electorate. This initiative was created to change the ways in which California teaches their English learners.
 
• All public schools in California are required to conduct instruction in English.

 
• English learners are placed in intensive structured/sheltered immersion classes for no more than one year, after which they are to be placed in a mainstream English class.

 
• The student’s parent or guardian may waive these classes.

 
• An instructional program was created for individuals who tutor LEP students in their community. (CBET)

Other links:

• The text of the initiative in English and Spanish
• A press release (Feb 4, 2000) regarding Superintendent Eastin's 1999 Task Force report, entitled Educating English Learners for the Twenty-First Century
• The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights Reading Room has a page devoted specifically to Questions That May Be Raised by Proposition 227.
• James Crawford's Language Policy Web Site & Emporium has a wide variety of information on issues relating to language policy, including a section on Proposition 227.
• (not so) Recent Stuff on Bilingual Education Policy from Kenji Hakuta's website

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