New California Laws Change English Learner Reclassification and Add Early Math Screening
Governor Newsom signed several education bills in September, two of which change school operations. A new law requires districts to reclassify English learners once they demonstrate English proficiency on the state test, so students do not remain in English learner status longer than warranted. Separately, Senate Bill 1067 requires schools to screen kindergarten through second-grade students for math skills to identify children who need support early.
Under the timeline, the State Board of Education must approve math screening guidelines by July 31, 2027, the Department of Education will select screening tools by Jan. 31, 2028, and districts begin using them in fall 2028. Students who speak another language at home are to be screened in their primary language where feasible. Results are used to offer small-group tutoring, intensive instruction or further testing, while educators continue to debate whether a single test fully reflects a student's language skills.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图/Wikimedia Commons，作者 Wikimedia Commons，授权 CC · Image: Wikimedia Commons, by Wikimedia Commons, CC
