The concept isn't there. So schools have an obligation to have individual conferences with parents, in clear and simple language in the primary language of the parent to inform them of their rights under the new law. All students will begin the school year with a 30-day evaluation of their language skills in English classes. After that, the law permits parents to sign a waiver to move their child into an alternative teaching method such as bilingual education. Santa Ana schools are still teaching in Spanish and English.
Some parents say the district's early emphasis on waivers is a telling sign.
Their hope is to bring all the parents in and encourage them to apply for waivers. You had to prove yourself to administrators. Santa Ana Unified Superintendent Al Mijares boils down the debate to public trust in schools. If you can't trust the establishment, you can bring in community people. You can bring in 'Yes on 227' people, and you will still run into problems.