What Is Proposition 58? Voter Guide for 2016 California Measures

LOS ANGELES, CA -- If it passes, Proposition 58 would require school districts to get input from parents in developing language programs and would authorize districts to establish dual-language immersion programs for native and non-native English speakers.

Proponents say it would give school districts local control to choose the most effective instruction methods, while opponents say it would eliminate parental rights to an English-language education for their children.

The measure has the support of the Democratic and Green parties, Gov. Jerry Brown and a mixture of teacher unions and a coalition of school districts. Proponents say it's the most efficient way to teach English to non-native speakers while also giving native English speakers a chance to become bilingual.

Its opponents include the Republican and Libertarian Parties. they argue it repeals the requirement that California children be taught English in public schools.

According to the ballot summary, Proposition 58:

• Preserves requirement that public schools ensure students become proficient in English.
• Requires school districts to solicit parent and community input in developing language acquisition programs to ensure English acquisition as rapidly and effectively as possible.
• Requires that school districts provide students with limited English proficiency the option to be taught English nearly all in English.
• Authorizes school districts to establish dual-language immersion programs for both native and non-native English speakers.
• Allows parents/legal guardians of students to select an available language acquisition program that best suits their child.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8

Your polling place is listed on the back of the sample ballot you receive in the mail. It can also be found by visiting www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place or by calling (800) 345-VOTE (8683).

For more on all of California's measures, see below:

• What Is Proposition 51?
• What Is Proposition 52?
• What Is Proposition 53?
• What Is Proposition 54?
• What Is Proposition 55?
• What Is Proposition 56?
• What Is Proposition 57?
• What Is Proposition 58?
• What Is Proposition 59?
• What Is Proposition 60?
• What Is Proposition 61?
• What Is Proposition 62?
• What Is Proposition 63?
• What Is Proposition 64?
• What Is Proposition 65?
• What Is Proposition 66?
• What Is Proposition 67?

Patch file photo

City News Service contributed to this report.