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HomeEducation CodeDiv. 4Pt. 28Ch. 7Art. 3§ 52167 English Learner Classroom Ratios

§ 52167 English Learner Classroom Ratios

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 52167 English Learner Classroom Ratios

Key Takeaways

  • •In most classes, 1/3 to 2/3 of students can be learning English, and the rest must already speak English well.
  • •If the school can't meet these numbers, they must try to match the school's overall mix of English learners and fluent speakers.
  • •English learners must spend at least 20% of their day in classes that follow these rules, and more time with fluent speakers as they get better at English.
  • •The main goal of these classes is not to teach other languages to English speakers.

Example

A school has 30 kids in a class. 10 are still learning English, and 20 speak English well.

This class follows the rule because the number of kids learning English (10) is between 1/3 (10) and 2/3 (20) of the class. The rest (20) speak English well, so it’s balanced.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 52167 English Learner Classroom Ratios

(a) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (b), in classes established pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), or (c) of Section 52165, not more than two-thirds nor less than one-third of the pupils shall be pupils of limited English proficiency. The remaining proportion of pupils in the class shall be pupils of fluent English proficiency. However, where there is documented evidence that these proportions cannot be met, the classroom proportions shall, at a minimum, reflect the proportion of the language proficiency classification for the particular grade level in the school and shall not result in segregation. Fluent-English-proficient pupils shall receive basic skills instruction in English and, to the extent possible, be achieving at the district norm. (2) In no event shall the primary purpose of the program be to teach a world language to English-speaking pupils. (3) The state board shall adopt any necessary regulations governing this section within 90 days after January 1, 1981. (b) The classroom proportion specified in subdivision (a) may be modified for the purpose of providing effective instruction for all pupils in core academic subjects. Pupils of limited English proficiency participating in programs established pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), or (c) of Section 52165 shall receive instruction for at least 20 percent of the schoolday in classes in which the proportions specified in subdivision (a) are met, and shall receive instruction in classes with pupils of fluent English proficiency for an increased portion of the schoolday, as their English language skills increase. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 865, Sec. 25. (AB 2319) Effective January 1, 2019.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

instructionschoolportstudentregulationacademicsegregationin california

Related Statutes

  • § 52163.5 Bilingual Education Program Requirements
  • § 52164 English Learner Census Requirements
  • § 52166 Teacher Qualifications For Bilingual Programs
  • § 52170 English Learner Education Plans
  • § 48430 Continuation School Programs

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 52167.
View Official Source