Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/726969
I n today's global marketplace, knowing more than one lan- guage is an asset and can give students a competitive edge. Expanding students' access to multilingual education and allowing teachers, parents and schools more control over the curriculum is key. Proposition 58 would do exactly that. The Language Edu- cation, Acquisition and Readiness Now (LE ARN) Initiative broadens instructional methods school districts can use to teach English to English learners, while expanding opportunities for English-speaking students to learn a second language. " Today 's world is ever-changing," says CTA President Eric Heins. "With an expansion of global markets, our students must be prepared to learn, live and work in this world. is initiative ensures all kids learn English quickly and expands opportunities for students to learn a second language." The California Department of Education reports that only 312 out of 10,393 schools currently offer multilingual programs. Extensive research has shown that students who choose to participate in multilingual programs attain high levels of aca- demic achievement, including English and other language proficiency. In fact, they repeatedly demonstrate greater achieve- ment and higher scores than English-only students. "Learning a second language helps to stimulate students' brains," says Ruby Sandoval, an Adelanto District Teachers Association member who teaches a dual immersion (English and Spanish) class to fifth- and sixth-graders. Under our current system, too many California students are being left behind and not given the opportunity to learn English with the most effective teaching methods possible. This is because of an outdated, nearly 20-year-old law, Prop. 227, which restricts the instructional methods school districts can use to teach English. is old law also limits the ability of English-speak- ing students to participate in language immersion programs. YES ON PROP. 58: Help Kids LEARN YesProp58 — the LEARN Initiative #YesonProp58 Language for a Global Edge 32 cta.org 32 cta.org NOV. 8, 2016 ENSURING OUR FUTURE Vital ser vices cut during the recession are just beginning to be restored. Public education, which lost more than $50 billion in the recession, is still not at its pre-recession funding level. The sales tax increase of Prop. 30 will expire as planned at the end of this year. Proposition 55, on the Nov. 8 ballot, simply extends the current income tax rates on the wealthiest Californians for 12 years, ensuring years of stable funding for California public schools and avoiding harmful cuts. C A M P A I G N 2 0 1 6 Edge