Modifying provisions related to open enrollment policies and English-language learners

This bill modifies provisions related to open enrollment policies and English-language learners. Current law requires receiving school districts to approve applications for open enrollment that are submitted in a timely manner unless the receiving school district has insufficient classroom space. Current law also requires each school district to adopt a policy that defines insufficient classroom space for purposes of open enrollment. The bill requires the definition of insufficient classroom space adopted by the school district to include standards related to the school district’s capacity to provide instruction to English learners. Under current law, “English learner” means a student whose language background is in a language other than English, and the student’s proficiency in English is such that the probability of the student’s academic success in an English-only classroom is below that of an academically successful peer with an English language background.