The definitions of the terms used in this article and in Article 1 (commencing with Section 300) are as follows:

(a) “English learner” means a pupil who is “limited English proficient” as that term is defined in the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. § 7801(25)).

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(b) “Native speaker of English” means a pupil who has learned and used English in his or her home from early childhood and English has been his or her primary means of concept formation and communication.

(c) “Language acquisition programs” refers to educational programs designed to ensure English acquisition as rapidly and as effectively as possible, and that provide instruction to pupils on the state-adopted academic content standards, including the English language development standards. The language acquisition programs provided to pupils shall be informed by research and shall lead to grade level proficiency and academic achievement in both English and another language. Language acquisition programs may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Dual-language immersion programs that provide integrated language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language, with the goals of high academic achievement, first and second language proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding.

(2) Transitional or developmental programs for English learners that provide instruction to pupils that utilizes English and a pupil’s native language for literacy and academic instruction and enables an English learner to achieve English proficiency and academic mastery of subject matter content and higher order skills, including critical thinking, in order to meet state-adopted academic content standards.

(3) Structured English immersion programs for English learners in which nearly all classroom instruction is provided in English, but with curriculum and a presentation designed for pupils who are learning English.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 753, Sec. 4. (SB 1174) Approved in Proposition 58 at the November 8, 2016, election. Operative July 1, 2017, by Sec. 9 of Proposition 58.)