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Bill Passed That Eliminates 4-Hour Block For Arizona's English Language Learners

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1014 into law Thursday, eliminating the controversial four-hour mandated block of English-language instruction (ELL) for English language learners in the state. It’s a move that’s being celebrated by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and welcomed by educators.

Students enrolled in Arizona’s ELL program have one of the lowest graduation rates in the country —  at just under 20 percent.

Many educators argue that’s because we have one of the most restrictive ELL programs in the country. Until yesterday, ELL students were required by state law to take English language instruction in four-hour blocks.

Terri Cota, English language acquisition specialist with the Mesa Public School District, joined The Show to talk more about her reaction to the passage of this law.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.