Report Recommends District and State Leaders Seize Opportunities with Local Control Funding Formula and Common Core to Improve Outcomes for English Learners

OAKLAND, CA (September 23, 2014) – California, a state rich in cultural and linguistic diversity, serves 1.4 million English learners—more than any other state in the country and accounting for almost one-third of English learners in the entire U.S. Too often, these students face insufficient academic supports, ill-prepared teachers, and less rigorous coursework, causing them to struggle academically. However, a new analysis finds it does not have to be this way. The EdTrust-West identifies a number of districts across California that are breaking this pattern. The results are published in a new report released today titled, The Language of Reform: English Learners in California’s Shifting Education Landscape.

“The good news is there are districts across California that are serving English learners well,” said Valerie Cuevas, Interim Executive Director of The EdTrust-West, a statewide education policy, research and advocacy organization that works to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement for students of color and students in poverty. “Given that 1 out of 4 students in California is an English learner, it is critical that we uncover and share the practices and strategies these districts are using to get results.”

The report includes an analysis of data from 276 unified school districts based on their performance on four indicators, including the California Standards Test (CST), English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rates, California English Language Development Test (CELDT) advancement rates, long-term English learner rates, and reclassification rates. The EdTrust-West identified districts rising to the top on each metric, as well as 11 districts that performed well on 3 of the 4 indicators. “Districts like Selma Unified, Calipatria Unified, Los Alamitos Unified, and West Covina Unified posted English learner results that are better than other districts with similar student populations,” said Carrie Hahnel, Director of Research and Policy Analysis at The EdTrust-West.

“We find that there is no magic bullet for success,” said Dr. Jeannette LaFors, Director of Equity Initiatives at The EdTrust-West. “While each district has a different set of policies and practices, top-performing districts have a few things in common. They believe their students’ native languages are cultural and linguistic assets. They provide teachers with the professional development they need to support English learners. They give English learners access to Common-Core aligned curriculum and college preparatory courses. They also engage parents and create strong home-school connections.”

By taking a comprehensive approach to the issue, the report also includes:

• detailed background information on who California’s English learners are and how state and national policies have shaped programs, services, and funding for English learner students
• case studies highlighting promising practices and strategies that have contributed to positive results for English learners in several of the top-performing districts
• a summary spreadsheet showing how all 276 unified school districts performed
• a review of Local Control and Accountability Plans to learn what programs and services top districts plan to provide to English learners.

With reforms like the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the Common Core State Standards dramatically shifting California’s education landscape, the report concludes with several policy recommendations to ensure action is taken to capitalize on these reforms to better serve English learners.

“We expect the LCFF to lead to better outcomes for English learners,” said Assemblymember Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima), “and simultaneously promote policies that will provide additional funding and strengthen accountability for reclassified pupils, thereby ensuring that California’s schools are able to effectively serve all of our English learner population.”

On October 22, The EdTrust—West will host a webinar featuring leaders from top-performing districts, who will share their effective practices and recommendations for ensuring English learners have access to the quality educational opportunities they deserve.

To read the full report, click here.

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About The EdTrust-West
The EdTrust-West works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, pre-k through college. We expose opportunity and achievement gaps that separate students of color and low-income students from other youth, and we identify and advocate for the strategies that will forever close those gaps.