Strategic and Economic Analysis of English Learner Programs in California. Project Brief

Abstract

In 2024, WestEd partnered with Sobrato Philanthropies to conduct a strategic and economic analysis of English Learner programs in the state of California. The study sought to define the scale of economic challenges and explore underlying conditions impacting the costs of implementing English Learner programs in California in alignment with best practice. Based on the study's conclusions, WestEd identified recommendations related to the following three overarching areas of focus, grounded in the long-term goal of bringing multilingual programs for English Learners to scale in California: (a) improve the design of English Learner programs, (b) expand access to integrated care, and (c) transition to a multilingual workforce.