Bill > AB2555

This bill, concerning the reclassification of English learners (ELs), aims to standardize and streamline the process by which students are identified as proficient in English. Starting July 1, 2027, schools will be required to clearly inform parents of newly identified ELs about their child's status, the school's partnership approach, and the annual assessment process. The bill shifts the primary criteria for reclassification to a student meeting a state-established score on an English language proficiency assessment, including an alternate assessment for students with disabilities, moving away from the previous four-part system that included teacher evaluation, parental opinion, and basic skills comparison. For ELs with an individualized education program (IEP) who don't take the statewide alternate assessment, new provisions starting July 1, 2028, allow for reclassification based on demonstrated proficiency through alternate coursework and performance tasks, provided they have used all appropriate supports and accommodations. The bill also mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs), which include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, monitor reclassified students for four years to ensure English proficiency is not a barrier to academic success and that any academic deficits are addressed. Furthermore, the State Board of Education will identify tools for monitoring reclassified students and appropriate interventions, and the Department of Education will annually publish reclassification rates and outcomes of reclassified students. The bill also requires the development of alternative coursework and performance tasks for students with disabilities who cannot take the statewide alternate assessment and mandates an evaluation of the bill's impact on reclassification criteria and processes. Finally, it enhances parental rights by specifically including the right to discuss their child's progress toward English proficiency and reclassification with teachers.