ARE ALL TEACHERS IN GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE TWELVE (K-12) WITH ONE OR MORE EL STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASSROOMS REQUIRED TO HAVE AN EL AUTHORIZATION?
Yes. ELs identified in K-12 (does not include preschool or adult) public schools in California are required to receive services designed to meet their linguistic and academic needs based on assessments made by the local employing agency. An appropriately authorized teacher for English language development (ELD) and academic content instruction is required. The state laws do not specify exemptions for a small or particular number of ELs in a class, for a subject area such as elective classes, nor for a type of setting such as special education or vocational. There is no numerical trigger and no percentage of students needing particular English learner services that determines a misassignment. If one or more of the students in the class needs English learner services or requires specially designed academic instruction (SDAIE) in a subject area, the teacher providing the English learner services must hold an appropriate English learner certificate or authorization.
