Election 2016: Prop 58

By sf-admin • 8 years ago • Education, Politics

Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on California's Proposition 58.

ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.

In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.

Not sure how to vote on Proposition 58? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!

<<Back to CA 2016 Propositions

What Is Prop 58?

Prop 58 would repeal Proposition 227, which was passed in 1998 and required “Limited English Proficiency” (LEP) students to be taught nearly entirely in English.

Prop 58 would maintain the requirement that public schools ensure students become proficient in the English language and require English acquisition to occur as rapidly and effectively as possible, while also authorizing school districts to create dual-language instruction programs for both native and non-native English speakers.

Who Supports Prop 58?

Key supporters of Prop 58 include: the California Democratic Party, the California Chamber of Congress, and a long list of public officials (including Governor Jerry Brown and Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom), school districts, and other organizations.

Supporters argue that the proposition would expand opportunities for English speakers to learn a second language, while still allowing LEP students to acquire the English language as quickly as possible.

Proponents also contend that Prop 58 would return control of language instruction programs to local school districts.

Who Opposes Prop 58?

Key opponents of Prop 58 include: Ron Unz, co-author of Proposition 227, and Mauro E. Mujica, U.S. English Chairperson.

Opponents argue that the proposition would repeal the requirement that students be taught English in public schools and enable the state legislature to enact “Spanish-Almost-Only instruction” in public schools.