English Learners
There are 1.4 million students in California public schools designated as English Learners. That’s about 25% of the current student population. The number could be even larger as many students will later move on from their EL status after a period of positive achievement. According to recent test scores, the state of California has had continued success in teaching English Learners which has urged educators, legislators, and the Department of Education to build teaching policies to assist these students with the transition from EL status into academic courses.

Latino Enrollment
Public school enrollment for Hispanics/Latinos is 53.6% as of 2015. This figure reflects students who are enrolled in California state public schools for grades K-12. The school year in this case begins in 2014 and ends in 2015. Hispanics/Latinos represent the largest enrollment in California followed by Whites at 24.6% and Asians/Asian-Americans with 8.8%

Latino Demographics
In 2015, Hispanics/Latinos surpassed Whites as the largest demographic in California. According to the Census Bureau, population figures show that 14.99 million Hispanics/Latinos live in the state, just slightly more than Whites at 14.92 million. Demographers had projected this shift in percentages as early as 2013 and their predictions came to pass by June 2014.

Latino Drop Out Stats
As of 2014, drop out statistics for Hispanics/Latinos is 14% . This figure is based upon a four-year “adjusted cohort dropout rate”, which analyzes the number of students who leave high school without getting a diploma, a GED, or completing a special education course. In this instance, 14% of Hispanic and Latino students who entered the school system in the year 2010 across the state of California dropped out during the 2013-2014 school year.

What is each state doing to provide support for English Learners and Latino demographic?
The California Department of Education has established an English Learner Support Division while Senator Alex Padilla started a select committee dedicated to improving the learning experience for EL students. The education budget for the years 2012-2013 introduced increased funding for English Learners through a student-weighted formula but it was not passed. The state has identified three areas where English Learners can gain the most support: an updated policy for reclassification, a focus on establishing Common Core State Standards, and increased funding and accountability to help EL’s reach positive academic outcomes.