Assemblymember Mark González's Bilingual Bill Advances

SACRAMENTO, CA - Yesterday, Assemblymember Mark González's AB 2332: DLI Coordinator advanced out of the Assembly Education Committee with unanimous support. AB 2332, if signed into law, would establish a Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Coordinator in California.

DLI programs are a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two languages, English and a partner language. DLI programs are the most effective language instruction approach and the best method to close the achievement gap between non-native and native English-speaking peers.

"If we want our communities to put their trust in us, then we must show that we are willing to invest in what works," said Assemblymember Mark González (D - Los Angeles). "We must streamline these programs, rather than allowing bureaucracy to drain time and energy from our already overburdened educators. They are giving everything they have. It's time for the state to match that commitment."

"Dual language immersion is an effective educational model that supports increased engagement and helps our students to embrace the diversity of our communities," said joint author Assemblymember José Solache (D - Lynwood). "Increasing coordination for dual language immersion programs stands to improve academic outcomes for students and strengthen our state's programs for future success. I commend Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez for his leadership on this important educational measure."

"California is home to more than 200 languages, and that diversity is our strength," said joint author Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D - Fullerton). It has shaped who we are and taught us how to listen, understand one another, and lead in a connected world. AB 2332 makes clear that every student who wants to learn in more than one language should have that opportunity. By designating a coordinator to expand Dual Language Immersion programs, we take a step toward a future that respects every voice and prepares the next generation to succeed."

"Investing in students early is critical to building a strong education-to-workforce pipeline," said co-author Assemblymember Mike Fong (D -Alhambra). "Dual language immersion programs help students develop strong academic foundations, improve long-term achievement, and build skills that carry into higher education and future careers. By establishing a coordinator, AB 2332 will help educate school districts on the value of these programs."

"We are excited to see AB 2332 advance out of the Assembly Education Committee, marking an important step toward expanding high-quality dual language immersion programs across California. This progress is especially significant for Asian language communities, where Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Cantonese remain among the top languages spoken by English learners and yet face persistent gaps in access," said Dahni Tsuboi, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL). "We are proud to work with Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, who continues to be a strong voice for language justice. Today's vote helps move California closer to a future where multilingual education is supported and accessible to all."

Why AB 2332?

The California Department of Education (CDE) currently has no staff facilitating over 1,075 DLI programs that serve 110,847 students. In this uncoordinated system, students suffer, and California is failing to meet its 2030 goal of 1600 programs. The state needs a dedicated DLI Coordinator now.

After passing out of the Assembly Education Committee, AB 2332 is headed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He serves on the Committees on Appropriations, Health, Public Safety, Rules, and Utilities & Energy. He represents the 54th District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.

CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; [email protected]; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; [email protected]; (925) 549-2030