An act to amend Section 313 of the Education Code, relating to English learners.
Summary
AB 1360 would amend California Education Code Section 313 to change when an English learner may be reclassified as English proficient. Beginning July 1, 2026, the bill would require the State Department of Education’s reclassification procedures to allow reclassification when a student earns an English Learner Progress Indicator score of 3H or higher on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) and also meets the department’s other multiple-measures criteria. Those other criteria remain the existing teacher evaluation, parental consultation, and comparison of basic skills performance.
The bill does not eliminate the current multi-criteria approach; instead, it adds a specific statewide assessment benchmark that must be recognized in the reclassification process. It also preserves local flexibility by allowing school districts and county offices to test English learners more than once per year if they choose, and it clarifies that transitional kindergarten enrollment is not considered initial enrollment for these purposes.
Impact
AB 1360 would directly affect Education Code Section 313, which governs English learner assessment and reclassification procedures. The bill would require the Department of Education, with State Board approval, to update reclassification rules so that a 3H-or-above ELPAC English Learner Progress Indicator score is an authorized pathway to reclassification, effective July 1, 2026, alongside the existing multiple measures. Because this could impose new duties on local educational agencies, the bill is designated a state-mandated local program and includes a reimbursement provision if the Commission on State Mandates finds reimbursable costs.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment at introduction, but there is limited evidence of broader debate because no committee transcript or recorded votes are provided. The bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Education Committee, with no opposition or amendments reflected in the supplied materials. Its framing indicates a policy preference for making reclassification more clearly tied to a defined proficiency threshold while still retaining multiple measures.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether the bill makes reclassification more accessible by creating a specific ELPAC-based trigger, or whether it could standardize the process in a way that reduces local discretion. Supporters would likely view the bill as providing a clearer, more objective path for students who have demonstrated sufficient English proficiency. Potential concerns could come from local educational agencies about implementation costs, administrative changes, and the state-mandated local program designation, as well as from stakeholders who prefer keeping reclassification decisions more fully within local or broader multiple-measures frameworks.
An act to amend Section 51101 of, to amend and renumber Section 313.3 of, to amend, repeal, and add Section 313 of, to add Sections 313.3, 313.4, 313.6, 313.7, 313.8, and 313.9 to, and to repeal and add Section 313.5 of, the Education Code, relating to English learners.