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How Changes To Arizona's Education Rules Could Affect English Language Learners

Two decades ago, Arizona voters approved Proposition 203 — also known as English for the Children. Among other things, it changed how English language learners — known as ELL students — were taught, putting more emphasis on immersion programs.

In 2019, Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation that changed the requirement of a four-hour block of English language instruction to give schools and districts more flexibility in the program. There is a push now to put a referendum on the 2022 ballot that would modify the requirements even further.

To learn more, The Show spoke with Julia Lindberg, a program specialist for language acquisition and development in Tucson’s Sunnyside Unified School District. Lindberg talked about the goals of Proposition 203, which was passed in 2000.

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Steve Goldstein was a host at KJZZ from 1997 to 2022.