Prop 58: Easier Access For Bilingual Education In Public Schools?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Proposition 58 would repeal an earlier education-based proposition passed by voters in 1998. Prop. 227 required English-learners to take one year of intensive English instruction before going into an English-only class.

Prop. 58 would essentially open the door for easier access to bilingual education in public schools, no longer requiring English-only education for those learning English.

Ryan Anderson with the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office tells CBS13, "The impact it would have for English learners and their families is that now their schools can more freely choose whether to teach them in a bilingual program or in an English-only program.

"Right now, it's very difficult for these school districts to teach these children in a bilingual program."

Who's pushing this Prop? A number of lawmakers and politicians, including Governor Jerry Brown and Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.  Among the groups supporting Prop 58: the California Federation of Teachers and the state Democratic Party.

Those against this proposition say the following: "This is all a trick by the Sacramento politicians to fool the voters, who overwhelmingly passed Prop. 227."

This proposition, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office, would not have a significant impact on the average taxpayer but may raise the cost for some school districts.