1. Dual Language Learners
in California
Vickie Ramos Harris
Associate Director of Educational Equity, Education Policy
Advancement Project California

2. Terminology
Dual Language Learners (DLLs) - Young children aged birth to 5 learning two or more languages at the same time.
English Learners (ELs) - Children aged 5+ in K-12 education system.
“DLLs/ELLs” - The entire group (birth to 21).
“Dual Language Programs” - programs that use both languages and aim to develop both languages.

3. English Learners (EL)
US = 4.6 million
CA = 1.3 million
In California:
21% of CA’s public school students are ELs
72% of CA’s ELs are in elementary schools
33% of CA’s kindergartens are ELs
57% of children age 0-5 are DLLs
California has an important leadership role to play in DLL/EL education in the US.

4. DLLs/English Learners Are in All Parts of the State
LA County
Orange County
San Diego County

5. Diversity Within the DLL/EL Population
Every major racial/ethnic group is represented
Includes both U.S. and foreign-born from every corner of the globe.
Most in California come from Latin America and Asia, with Mexico as leading country of origin.

6. Source: Patricial K. Khul, 2011

7. Includes findings & recommendations
Released February 2017
Peer-reviewed “evidence-based” consensus of a multi-disciplinary committee of experts
Includes findings & recommendations

8. Recent Policies Proposition 58
Passed by 73.5% of CA voters in November 2016.
Creates opportunities for all students to learn another language.
CA English Learner Roadmap
Adopted by the State Board of Education in July 2017.
A comprehensive policy for ELs in alignment with state priorities and research, and includes biliteracy as a goal.
Includes early childhood.

9. California’s Vision of Success for English Learners
“English learners fully and meaningfully access and participate in a 21st century education from early childhood through grade twelve that results in their attaining high levels of English proficiency, mastery of grade level standards, and opportunities to develop proficiency in multiple languages.”
- CA English Learner Roadmap
California’s Vision of Success for English Learners

10. For More Information, Contact:
Vickie Ramos Harris
Associate Director of Educational Equity, Education Policy
Advancement Project California