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English Learners

There are many programs and services to help students who do not speak, read, write or understand English well as a result of English not being their home language. The overall goal of the various programs is to improve the English language skills of English Learner students, Immigrant students, Migratory students and provide information to their parents about services available.

The California Department of Education helps to support English learner programs in California.

  • For more information about English learner programs, contact your local school district.
  • The English Learner - CalEdFacts page provides a more detailed overview of English learner programs.
  • The links and information below were developed for educators and others who are directly involved with English learner programs.

COVID-19 English Learner Resources
Resources, models, webinars, newsletters, and guidance regarding English learner, immigrant, newcomer, and migratory students during distance learning and the transition to schools reopening during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bilingual Coordinators Network
Information regarding the Bilingual Coordinators Network (BCN), including meeting calendar.
The CA Education for a Global Economy Initiative
Information regarding the California Education for a Global Economy (Ed.G.E.) Initiative.
English Language Development Standards
Assembly Bill 124 (Chapter 605, Statutes of 2011) requires the State Board of Education approve standards for English language development for pupils whose primary language is a language other than English. These standards shall be comparable in rigor and specificity to the standards for English language arts adopted.
English Learner Roadmap
Guide to assist local educational agencies to implement California's 21st century college-and-career-ready standards, curriculum, instruction programs, and assessments.
English-Spanish Glossary for Educational Settings
Glossary of English educational terminology translated into Spanish.
Equal Opportunity & Access
Discloses the practices of the California Department of Education to ensure equal, fair, and meaningful access to its employment and program services.
Letters to Local Educational Agencies
Important communication to assist local educational agencies in providing appropriate services and programs for English learners.
Multilingual Education
The resources on this web page offer information on the development, implementation, and location of multilingual programs.
Parent Notification
Information and resources from the California Department of Education about the Parent Notification forms.
Reclassification
Information on how a local educational agency (LEA) determines whether or not an English learner (EL) student has sufficient English proficiency to be reclassified as a fluent English speaker.
Resources
Information regarding newcomer students, programs for English learner (EL) students, FAQs regarding appropriate EL teacher authorizations, and educator and parent newsletters during distance learning.
State Seal of Biliteracy
This program recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English.
Technical Assistance and Monitoring
Provides Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) and technical assistance regarding services to English learners.
Title III
Language instruction for English learner and immigrant students.
Recently Posted in English Learners
  • EWIG Executive Summary (Statutes of 2022) (added 17-Apr-2024)
    Educator Workforce Investment Grant (EWIG) Program Legislative Executive Summary 2023 Legislative Report.
  • Title III EL & Immigrant Program Allocations 22-23 (added 14-Mar-2024)
    This page contains a directory of local educational agencies (LEAs), both direct-funded and consortia, that are receiving English Learner (EL) and/or Immigrant student program funding during fiscal year (FY) 2022–23.
  • Developmental (Maintenance) Bilingual Program (added 29-Feb-2024)
    Developmental bilingual is a language acquisition program for English learner (EL) students that provides instruction to pupils that utilizes English and a pupil’s native language for literacy and academic instruction.
  • Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program (added 29-Feb-2024)
    Dual Language Immersion (DLI) is a language acquisition program with the goals of high academic achievement, first and second language proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding.
  • Structured English Immersion (SEI) Program (added 29-Feb-2024)
    Structured English Immersion (SEI) is a language acquisition program for English learner (EL) students in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, with curriculum and a presentation designed for pupils who are learning English.

  • Transitional Bilingual Program (added 29-Feb-2024)
    Transitional Bilingual is a language acquisition program for English learners (EL) students that provides instruction to pupils that utilizes English and a pupil’s native language for literacy and academic instruction.