Tom Torlakson

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that California has taken the next step in implementing its groundbreaking approach to teaching English learners.

On Wednesday, the State Board of Education voted to approve instructional materials for kindergarten through grade eight that are aligned to the California Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in Science, History-Social Studies and Technical Subjects, that were based on the Common Core, and the California English Language Development Standards.

California is the first state to integrate English language arts, literacy and English Language Development, which helps English learners by making their language development a core part of the curriculum and not a separate, isolated part of the school day.

“This is a big step because these instructional materials can help teachers develop the language skills of English learners throughout the school day,” said Torlakson. “I’m proud California is a leader in this area. We will continue to welcome all students to our classrooms and work with them to inspire learning. The one-quarter of our students who are English learners are an asset to our state and will continue to foster growth for all of us.”

Of the 27 instructional materials programs submitted for consideration from 10 publishers, the State Board of Education approved 25. Reviewing the materials were nearly 200 educators and the Instructional Quality Commission. Among the 25 adopted programs, 17 were basic grade-level programs, and eight were intervention programs.

Local school districts may now begin their own process of reviewing the materials to determine which of the adopted programs best meet the needs of their students. With such a wide variety of choices, including a number of technology-based programs, districts have greater flexibility when designing and implementing a curriculum that will help their students achieve academically.

The adopted programs are on display for public review at Learning Resources Display Centers across the state. For more information about the 2015 ELA/ELD Adoption process, visit the California Department of Education English Language Arts Instructional Materials Web page.