Multilingual instructional programs offer clear academic and cognitive benefits for English Learners, yet they remain underutilized across California schools. With English Learners making up a significant portion of the student population, policy action is essential to expanding access to high-quality programs.

State and local policymakers play a pivotal role in shaping policies that enhance program design, strengthen support systems, and build a multilingual educator workforce.

This research brief, based on a strategic and economic analysis by WestEd in partnership with Sobrato Philanthropies, provides data-driven insights and policy recommendations to help leaders create lasting improvements for English Learners in California.