Gov. Brown signs English language learner bill

Governor Kate Brown signed HB 3499 to cheers from legislators and citizens alike Tuesday morning, signaling a renewed bipartisan effort to close the achievement gap in Oregon schools.

The bill, which passed unanimously, allocates $12.5 million every two years from the State School Fund to English Language Learner (ELL) programs and advisers, in the hopes of improving graduation rates for some of Oregon's most vulnerable K-12 students, particularly Latino students. It also provides new support for ELL program budget reporting and transparency.

Previously, there were no uniform budget coding or reporting standards for ELL programs, meaning funds allocated to ELL programs had no spending restrictions, and it was unclear exactly how much money was being spent and where. HB 3499 establishes an advisory group that will implement reporting rules, monitor spending and will require each school district to file an annual report on its ELL programs.

"As I said in my State of the State address, as your governor, I'm committed to closing the opportunity gap for each and every student in Oregon," Brown said. "In signing HB 3499 into law today, we are achieving these objectives and supporting better outcomes for students for whom English is a second language."

The governor called the bill "a watershed moment" for education in Oregon, and the bill's sponsors said the legislation is needed to provide an early pathway for students to become academically proficient in English, increasing their chances of graduating, attending college and finding a career.

"Currently only 49 percent of our English language learner students graduate from high school," said Rep. Joe Gallegos (D), who authored the bill. "So, we can do better and we must do better. It's in our self interest that that happens."

As the governor signed the bill, she gathered about a dozen ELL students behind her desk to watch. "I won't bite," she said to the nervous students. Their parents snapped pictures on their phones, savoring the moment.

To Olivia Hernandez, HB 3499 means a brighter future for her ELL son. Speaking through a translator, she said the bill is more than more opportunities for her son — it's a symbolic gesture of recognition from the legislature, too.

"As parents, it means we have a lot of power. That our voice is worthy, strong," she said.

gfriedman2@statesmanjournal.com, (503) 399-6653, or on Twitter @gordonrfriedman