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California is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. Nearly 200 languages are spoken in homes across the state, and this diversity is one of California’s greatest assets—socially, culturally, and economically. Yet our education system does not fully reflect or nurture that richness.
Multilingual Education for All is a statewide campaign designed to build the conditions, policy commitments, and public will needed to make multilingualism a defining feature of California’s P–12 education system. Rooted in a decade of progress and a growing body of research, this campaign calls for a systems shift: one where multilingualism is affirmed, developed, and integrated into the educational experience of every student.
This campaign uses a collective impact approach that brings together experts, practitioners, families, researchers, regional leaders, and statewide partners. Working Groups will guide key components of the strategy, and regional efforts will shape and inform statewide action.
The transformation will be incremental and strategic, focused on building momentum, supporting willing districts and communities, and laying the groundwork for long-term systems change.
Over the past several decades, California has charted a clear shift toward an assets-based, research-aligned vision for language education, reflected in milestones such as the State Seal of Biliteracy, the passage of Proposition 58 repealing Proposition 227, and the adoption of the California English Learner Roadmap and Global California 2030.
Yet despite this progress, subtractive schooling patterns persist, and only a minority of English learners have access to strong multilingual education programs.
Stakeholders across the state–educators, policymakers, advocates, families, and researchers agree that now is the time to accelerate a long-view, statewide strategy. Without action, hard-won progress is at risk. With action, California can fully realize its identity as a multilingual, globally connected state.
California will build a schooling system where multilingualism is central to rigorous academic preparation, cultural affirmation, and readiness for a global economy. In this future:
Every student has exposure to a second language, resulting in bilingualism.
Bilingual and dual language/biliteracy programs are the standard program for English learners wherever possible.
Multiple program models—dual language/biliteracy, world language programs, bilingual enrichment, community-based approaches, heritage language and tribal language revitalization–provide pathways that reflect the demographics and priorities of local communities.
Students who enter school as English learners are supported to become English proficient, develop their home language, and graduate literate in two or more languages.
How we move forward
This campaign uses a collective impact approach that brings together experts, practitioners, families, researchers, regional leaders, and statewide partners. Working Groups will guide key components of the strategy, and regional efforts will shape and inform statewide action.
The transformation will be incremental and strategic, focused on building momentum, supporting willing districts and communities, and laying the groundwork for long-term systems change.
Over the past several decades, California has charted a clear shift toward an assets-based, research-aligned vision for language education, reflected in milestones such as the State Seal of Biliteracy, the passage of Proposition 58 repealing Proposition 227, and the adoption of the California English Learner Roadmap and Global California 2030.
Yet despite this progress, subtractive schooling patterns persist, and only a minority of English learners have access to strong multilingual education programs.
Stakeholders across the state–educators, policymakers, advocates, families, and researchers agree that now is the time to accelerate a long-view, statewide strategy. Without action, hard-won progress is at risk. With action, California can fully realize its identity as a multilingual, globally connected state.
Our Vision
California will build a schooling system where multilingualism is central to rigorous academic preparation, cultural affirmation, and readiness for a global economy. In this future:
Every student has exposure to a second language, resulting in bilingualism.
Bilingual and dual language/biliteracy programs are the standard program for English learners wherever possible.
Multiple program models—dual language/biliteracy, world language programs, bilingual enrichment, community-based approaches, heritage language and tribal language revitalization–provide pathways that reflect the demographics and priorities of local communities.
Students who enter school as English learners are supported to become English proficient, develop their home language, and graduate literate in two or more languages.
multilingual education for all
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