Texas needs a strategic plan to expand access to Dual Language Immersion (DLI) and ensure English Learners succeed in school.
To accomplish that objective, the state should set tangible goals and timelines to increase the number of certified bilingual educators, the number of quality DLI programs, and the number of students who graduate with a Seal of Biliteracy.
SB 560 by Sen. Lucio directs the Texas Education Agency, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission, to create a strategic plan to improve bilingual education and expand DLI programs in Texas. In establishing a coordinated statewide strategy, local districts and state leaders will be better equipped to ensure Texas English Learners will receive the quality education they need for success in school and beyond.
Our full testimony to the Texas Senate Education Committee regarding SB 560 is below.