These classes are mainly for native English speakers. Until last week, when the state school board voted to let districts decide whether to offer bilingual education, schools were out of compliance with state regulations if they did not help immigrant students with academics. Under Proposition 227, all students would join this kind of mainstream class after their year of English. Students in regular classes are given English lessons on the side. Under Proposition 227, schools would not have to teach English after the first year.
Parents request no bilingual education for their children.
Elementary schools that use this method include Fiesta Gardens in San Mateo, River Glen in San Jose, Buena Vista in San Francisco and Windsor in Napa. Often, up to half of students enrolled are native English speakers who want to learn a second language. About 100 parents have contacted the Proposition 227 campaign, worried about the fate of these schools. She said the waiver rule would apply to native English speakers and nonnative speakers alike. California has not given state exams for years and never compared the performance of immigrant children to natives.