Tom Horne against keeping dual language programs in Arizona schools

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is battling to keep dual language models out of Arizona schools.

Horne joined us to discuss more on why Arizona schools should teach English language learners through immersion.

In an Aug. 14 letter to Attorney General Kris Mayes’ legal counsel, Horne accused the Avondale, Kyrene, Mesa, and Chandler school districts of violating a law that voters approved in 2000 — requiring English language learners to be taught only in English — and to be taught via sheltered immersion programs, typically for no more than one year. 

“We’re not only at odds, but I’ve sued them. There was an initiative passed in 2000 that got 63% of the votes, and it’s a voter protected initiative, and it says that English language learners will be taught English by being taught in English,” Horne said.

Horne argued that teaching students through a dual language instruction model violates Proposition 203.