A study of the impact of California Proposition 227 on the identification and placement of English language learners in special education programs and services in California public schools
This dissertation examined whether there had been any changes in local practices and policies with respect to the identification and placement of English language learners in special education programs and services since the enactment of Proposition 227, and if so, what they were. This study was comprised of an examination of statewide general and special education aggregated student enrollment data, school years 1996-1997 through 1999- 2000, at state and local education agency (LEA) levels and interviews with selected LEA special education administrators. The findings revealed that (1) the proportion of English language learners who were identified and placed in special education programs and services changed since Proposition 227 passed; however, there were no specific changes identified in local practices and policies, (2) district special education administrators believed that this law had no affect on the identification or assessment processes of special education programs, (3), they also believed that proposition 227 had no effect on identification and placement of English language learners in general education or special education programs, and (4) lack of qualified staff, inadequacy of instructional materials, staff training and misconception of the law in general were identified as LEAs primary challenges post- Proposition 227.
English language Study and teaching California Foreign speakers, Linguistic minorities Education California, Special education California, Education, Bilingual California, Educational Administration and Supervision
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