California Budget Adds $10 Million for Bilingual Teacher Training Grants

California lawmakers included a $10 million grant program in this year's budget to address bilingual teacher shortages. The program will award grants of up to $600,000 to school districts that partner with community colleges and universities to prepare bilingual educators.

Through the partnerships, students will have opportunities to earn teaching credentials and bilingual authorization required to teach English learners.

The funding supports a state goal of enrolling half of K-12 students in bilingual education programs by 2030. Voters approved Proposition 58 in 2016, which lifted most restrictions on bilingual instruction. Researchers estimate the state will need roughly 6,000 additional bilingual teachers to reach the target.

More than one in six public school students in California is classified as an English learner. Prospective bilingual teachers must complete additional coursework and student teaching beyond a standard credential, requirements that can add thousands of dollars to the cost.

California has more than doubled the number of bilingual teaching authorizations issued each year over the past decade, yet districts continue to rely on emergency permits.

Grants will prioritize districts with large English-learner populations and limited access to preparation programs. California State University, Bakersfield has developed relationships with local school districts and is expanding opportunities for students to begin preparing for bilingual teaching before completing college.

Washington Examiner reported the details of the budget allocation and related context.