CA AB2555

Establishes a single criterion for reclassifying English learner students as English proficient beginning July 1, 2027: meeting the score set by the State Board of Education on the state's English language proficiency assessment, replacing the current four-criteria system that California has used since 1976

Requires the California Department of Education to record students as reclassified in data systems by May 30 each year as scores become available, and mandates local educational agencies to adjust student course placements and notify parents of reclassification status

Creates an alternative pathway for English learners with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who cannot meet standard assessment thresholds to demonstrate English proficiency through alternate coursework and performance tasks, which the department must develop by June 30, 2028

Mandates local educational agencies to monitor reclassified students for four years to ensure they do not fall behind academically due to insufficient English proficiency, with the State Board required to identify monitoring instruments and interventions by January 1, 2028

Requires the department to annually publish reclassification rates by school district and statewide, disaggregated by grade, disability status, and the 10 most common home languages, and to contract for an evaluation of the reform's effects due to the Legislature by January 1, 2032