Did Proposition 227 ban bilingual education completely?

Did Proposition 227 ban bilingual education completely?

• A. Yes, it ended all bilingual programs
• B. No, some parents and schools could opt in to bilingual
• C. It paused bilingual programs temporarily
• D. It mandated bilingual education in all schools

Answer: (B)

Prop 227 changed how students who are learning English are taught by requiring English-only instruction using sheltered English immersion for about a year, with the expectation that after that period instruction would continue in English. But it did not wipe out bilingual education entirely. Parents could sign a waiver to enroll their child in a bilingual program, and some schools could offer bilingual options under those waivers. So bilingual education could continue in limited, opt-in circumstances, rather than being banned completely. That’s why the best choice is the one that says some parents and schools could opt in to bilingual education. The other statements imply a total ban, a temporary pause, or a mandate for bilingual instruction in all schools, none of which reflects the actual measure.

Prop 227 changed how students who are learning English are taught by requiring English-only instruction using sheltered English immersion for about a year, with the expectation that after that period instruction would continue in English. But it did not wipe out bilingual education entirely. Parents could sign a waiver to enroll their child in a bilingual program, and some schools could offer bilingual options under those waivers. So bilingual education could continue in limited, opt-in circumstances, rather than being banned completely.

That’s why the best choice is the one that says some parents and schools could opt in to bilingual education. The other statements imply a total ban, a temporary pause, or a mandate for bilingual instruction in all schools, none of which reflects the actual measure.