English learners: reclassification

Students who meet the State Board of Education’s proficiency score must be reclassified promptly, rather than waiting on additional local measures. The law also adds family notice, post-reclassification monitoring, public data, and an alternate pathway for certain students with IEPs.

What the law does ​

• Requires reclassification as English proficient when a student meets the State Board of Education’s score on the statewide English-language assessment or applicable alternate assessment, beginning with 2025–26 results.
• Requires local educational agencies to reclassify by January 31, 2027, students who met the 2025–26 threshold but were not reclassified.
• Starting July 1, 2027, requires clear, translated when applicable, notice to families when a child is identified as an English learner and when reclassified.
• Requires the California Department of Education to record qualifying students as reclassified, publish annual local and statewide reclassification data and outcomes starting in 2027–28, and identify interventions for students needing further English-language support.
• Creates a reclassification pathway beginning July 1, 2028, for eligible English learners with IEPs who demonstrate comparable proficiency through alternate work and performance tasks.
• Requires local educational agencies to monitor reclassified students for four years, while directing the State Board of Education to establish monitoring methods and an instrument by January 1, 2028.
• Requires the Sacramento County Office of Education to develop reclassification rubrics and sample alternate work for eligible students with IEPs, and requires a state evaluation of the changes by January 1, 2032, if funded.

Who it affects ​

• English learner students in school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and state special schools.
• English learner students with individualized education programs.
• Parents and guardians of English learner students.
• Teachers and local educational agencies administering assessments, placements, family communication, and monitoring.

Context ​

The new framework takes effect July 1, 2027, with the prior reclassification provisions ending then and repealed January 1, 2028.