The first large-scale case study of the initiative's impact will begin that day in Los Angeles Unified when 47 schools enforce it for the first time. Across the state, thousands more schools will be forced to comply when they open their doors in September. In all last year, more than 400,000 students statewide with limited English skills were formally taught at least part of the time in their native language. For most, the native language was Spanish. Now educators are trying to define those circumstances.
Critics say their definitions are far too generous.
One key issue is when parents will be allowed to obtain exceptions to the English-immersion mandate. Opponents of the initiative, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, have vowed to promote waiver campaigns in neighborhoods that have long had bilingual schools. Los Angeles Unified plans to make waiver applications available at all schools from Day 1. Though officials say they will not promote any particular teaching method, one administrator said Friday that she anticipates that many parents will seek to preserve their bilingual programs. And the regulations issued by Sacramento seem to indicate they will be successful.