Overview of Language Development & Bilingual Education in California K-12 Schools

In 2012 the State of California was the first in the nation to adopt a State Seal of Biliteracy, a seal awarded to students graduating high school that demonstrate a high level of academic proficiency in English and another language. Since then, more than 25 other states have similar programs. Professor Karen Cadiero-Kaplan had the honor and privilege of working with the California Department of Education (CDE) from 2012-2015 in leading the implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy. Across the nation California has been a leader in developing standards and programs that foster biliteracy development from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Part of Dr. Cadiero-Kaplan's leadership was spearheading the adoption of innovative English Language Development Standards, which take into consideration both aspects of language acquisition and child and adolescent development alongside academic curriculum. To best understand the programs, policies and school system, we open this article with a depiction of California's diverse student population. This is followed by an overview of the language policies and program models that are informed by the CA English Language Development (ELD) Standards, standards that focus on biliteracy and language development. We include resources that readers can access to further develop key knowledge on two-way dual language education models and connect these policies that inform the work we do. While this is a brief overview, it is our intention that those reading this will use it as a conversation starter for how to approach the development of programs from policy and programmatic perspectives. We conclude by providing an example of the program model that informs the Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School, a pre-K-12 school located in Southern California which was founded by Dr. Jorge Ramirez. Key to this model is the inclusion of parent and community partners towards the development