Evidence has been growing in recent years about the benefits of multilingual instructional programs for English Learners. But these programs are still relatively rare in California.

WestEd partnered with Sobrato Philanthropies to conduct a strategic and economic analysis of English Learner programs in the state of California. Based on the study’s conclusions, WestEd identified recommendations related to the following three overarching areas of focus, grounded in the long-term goal of bringing multilingual programs for English Learners to scale in California:

  • improve the design of English Learner programs,
  • expand access to integrated care, and
  • transition to a multilingual workforce.

This document provides a high-level summary of the study’s activities, conclusions, and recommendations.