The intent behind AB 2602 aligns with California's objectives to enhance educational practices that can help students become biliterate. By advocating for improvements in the existing language acquisition programs, the bill seeks to make language education more effective and accessible. Specifically, it underlines the need for educational institutions to solicit input on instructional methods that address the linguistic needs of students, thereby supporting a diverse student population and fostering inclusivity in educational systems.
Assembly Bill 2602, introduced by Assembly Member Jones-Sawyer, focuses on biliteracy education in California. It expresses the intent of the Legislature to enact future legislation aimed at improving biliteracy education across the state. This initiative is rooted in the California Education for a Global Economy Initiative, also known as Proposition 58, which was passed by voters in November 2016. The bill highlights the importance of ensuring that all pupils, which includes both English learners and native English speakers, have access to effective instructional methods that promote proficiency in English as well as in other languages.
While the bill itself primarily expresses an intention without providing specific mandates or funding, it lays the groundwork for future legislation that could broaden educational opportunities and resources for biliteracy education. There may be discussions in the legislative process regarding how to implement these improvements effectively and what kind of resources will be required to achieve the desired outcomes, particularly in an educational landscape increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion.