California State University: Jump Start Grant Program.
This bill would allocate an annual sum of five million dollars for five consecutive fiscal years to CSU to implement this grant program. This funding is designated to support the recruitment and retention of bilingual faculty, helping to stimulate an increase in the number of credentialed teachers who can effectively teach English learners and support multilingual education initiatives. Schools awarded grants are required to supplement their funding with matching contributions or in-kind support and to ensure sustainability of positions beyond the funding period.
Assembly Bill 1701, introduced by Assembly Member Medina, proposes the establishment of the California State University Jump Start Grant Program, aimed at addressing the shortage of bilingual teachers in California's education system. The bill seeks to increase the number of tenure-track as well as part-time limited term bilingual faculty for bilingual authorization programs in accredited schools of education under the California State University (CSU). The pressing need for credentialed teachers with bilingual authorization has risen due to legislative changes such as Proposition 58, which advocates for bilingual education, highlighting the necessity for enhanced support and resources for bilingual programs in the state.
The bill reflects a legislative response to declining participation rates in bilingual classrooms since the late 1990s and aims to bolster ongoing efforts to train and hire qualified teachers for bilingual education. However, any potential contention revolves around the sufficiency and management of the funding, as funding is contingent on the Legislature’s annual Budget Act appropriations. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding compliance with reporting requirements on the efficacy of the grants, including annual evaluations of progress towards meeting stated goals and sustaining faculty positions adequately after initial funding ends.