Kiera Riley
Arizona Capitol Time
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced any school teaching English Language Learners in 50-50 dual language models are in violation of the law and are at risk of losing funding.
The State Board of Education has the final say over ELL teaching models. Under legislation passed in 2019 allowing further flexibility, the board approved 50-50 dual language as an acceptable approach.
The Department of Education is not rescinding the 50-50 dual language model entirely, but is instead requiring parents to comport with one of three waivers detailed in Proposition 203 to use the dual language model.
An Arizona Department of Education spokesperson said it submitted the letter and the Legislative Council memo to the board last week. Sean Ross, executive director of the State Board of Education, clarified ADE maintains control over administration of the models.
If the department were to eliminate the model entirely, it would be required to seek approval from the State Board of Education.
Education advocates say the latest move by Horne is an attempt to muscle through a policy change by lobbing threats to school districts, often prone to taking the path of least resistance out of fear of losing funds.
