Source: EdSource
Author: Assemblymember Darshana Patel, D-San Diego
What it would do: AB 2555 would automatically reclassify English learners as “fluent and English proficient” when they achieve the top score of 4 on the English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) or 3 on the Alternate ELPAC. It would eliminate other requirements, which currently include showing they have “basic skills” equivalent to their English-speaking peers and teachers’ evaluations.
Why it’s important: Research has shown that many students remain classified as English learners for months or years after they reach proficiency on the ELPAC, holding them back from other academic opportunities. This would streamline reclassification criteria, which vary widely among districts.
