The 2016 campaign
The 2016 Yes on 58 campaign
The campaign was branded "LEARN" — Language Education, Acquisition and Readiness Now. It was sponsored by teachers' and service employees' organizations, and its official committee was named "Yes on 58, Californians for English Proficiency".[7]
The message
The campaign's website, as archived in August–September 2016, was organised around three messages:[7]
- English proficiency, as fast as possible. "Too many California students are being left behind" because a nearly 20-year-old law restricted the methods schools could use to teach English.
- A second language for everyone. Prop 58 would remove barriers to multilingual education, including for native English speakers.
- A better future. Students proficient in English and a second language would be more employable and better prepared for a global economy.
The site's navigation covered Home, About, FAQs, Endorsements, Media (press releases and news coverage), Support, Contact and a donation page.[7]
Who supported it
The Secretary of State's voter guide lists supporters including teachers, parents, principals and Governor Jerry Brown.[1] The California Federation of Teachers urged members to vote Yes on 58.[8]
The arguments
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| Gives schools the flexibility to use the most effective, research-based teaching methods. Requires community input. Expands second-language learning. | Argued that the measure eliminated parental choice regarding English-only instruction. |
Arguments as summarised in the 2016 Official Voter Information Guide.[1]
Timeline
- June 1998 — Prop 227 passes with about 61%.[6]
- Aug–Sep 2016 — The Yes on 58 campaign site is live and archived.[7]
- Nov 8, 2016 — Prop 58 passes with 73.52%.[2]
Independent archive. This page describes a 2016 campaign that has ended. It does not speak for the original committee and does not accept donations.