Politics & Government

Alejo's Migrant Education Bill Moves Forward

As always, Luis Alejo is a voice in the assembly for migrant families.

Contributed by the Office of Luis Alejo:

Assemblymember Luis Alejo’s (whose district includes Gilroy) had his AB 275 passed the Assembly Education Committee with unanimous support. AB 275 is a comprehensive bill which addresses concerns raised in the California Bureau of State Audit report released earlier this year. 

The California Migrant Education Program is the largest in the nation with the largest number of migrant students. Currently, there are over 200,000 migrant students attending California schools during the regular school year and 97,000 attending summer classes. Migrant Education is designed to support high quality and comprehensive educational programs for migrant children to help reduce the educational disruption and other problems that result from repeated moves.

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“One out of every three migrant students in the U.S. lives in California. These are students who face the most and unique barriers due to their continuous relocation. AB 275 will make sure the California Department of Education is equipped with the tools necessary to help California migrant children reach their full potential,” said Alejo.

California’s migrant education program has been a critical part of education services for farm worker families since 1976 when California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) sponsored the California Migrant Education Act. 

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“Since 1976, CRLA has been privileged to work with migrant parents and students who, as a result of the opportunities offered by effective migrant programs have overcome economic and social challenges to graduate from high school, enroll in higher education and return to their communities as teachers, doctors, lawyers and leaders of their communities,” said Cynthia Rice, Director of Litigation, Advocacy & Training of California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.

AB 275 provides needed structure to the migrant education program that has grown to serve over 200,000 students by ensuring support for the parent advisory councils and creating accountability through data collection and express standards for evaluation of programs.

AB 275 will now be sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.


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