Parent choice. It’s what we all want and expect in deciding what is best for our children. Parents are a child’s first and most familiar teacher. Yet they have limited impact in determining how best their child will master a key skill in academic success: learning English or a second language. That restriction and others now in place hold back millions of California children. It is why we co-authored legislation with bipartisan support to place Proposition 58 on the ballot this November.

ANOTHER VIEW: Bilingual education programs fail our students

By passing Proposition 58, voters can finally overcome outdated limitations on helping our kids learn English or more effectively, encourage teaching of other languages, and better prepare them to succeed.

Nearly 20 years ago, Proposition 227 severely reduced the ability of schools to provide bilingual education. Amid a backlash against multiculturalism, we were told that forcing all children into English-only education would benefit English-learning students and help them more quickly catch up with their peers. We all agree that learning English is central to receiving a quality education, but the promises that years ago sold Proposition 227 have come up empty.

More effective instructional methods have emerged since the cookie-cutter approach of Proposition 227 was imposed. We understand now better than ever that different children learn in different ways. One-size-fits-all instruction does and will leave many kids behind. In fact, a state-commissioned study in 2006 examining the impact of these constraints found that despite the claims purported by Proposition 227, there is no conclusive evidence it helped English learners catch up. In many cases, it may be hindering them.

If Proposition 58 is approved in November, it would update Proposition 227 by allowing schools to offer a type of English immersion program meeting with teacher and parent approval. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) reports that California’s English learners currently receive only one year of intensive English instruction before transitioning to other English-only classes. That means a delay in fully grasping other subjects such as math, history and civics as most students must still focus on learning the language rather than the subjects. This process also produces a scarcity of programs for English-speaking students who want to learn a second language. German and Chinese language skills, for example, are valuable talents in a global economy.

Under Proposition 58, schools could use other English-teaching programs. Parents would also not need to sign waivers before placing their children in bilingual programs. They could still choose intensive English programs, but they would also have other choices. All school districts would have to seek parent input on English instruction during their annual planning process. Critically, the LAO estimates that expanding these opportunities would place no notable fiscal burdens on school districts or state government.

California has continued growing since Proposition 227 was implemented, and so has the diversity of its students. Today, roughly a quarter of pupils are classified as English learners; millions speak one of dozens of languages other than English at home. Using an outdated and single approach fails to effectively reach these children.

Over the past 20 years, California’s economy has rapidly globalized, and our state became an international trade powerhouse. Students must learn English, but knowledge of more than one language opens new doors of opportunity. A second language skill promotes higher levels of abstract thought, memory retention and cognitive development.

The ability to speak multiple languages offers immense possibilities for our children. Yet obsolete roadblocks prevent our children from reaching their full potential. Because of those roadblocks, California’s Department of Education reports only 312 out of 10,393 schools offer multilingual programs. That’s not nearly enough for today or tomorrow.

It is more important than ever that our children master English as fluently and quickly as possible. But we know education is a complex process, and no two students are alike. Instead of locking teachers and students into one rigid approach, let’s give English-speaking students more chances to learn other languages — to enhance their academic achievement, learning ability and future employment prospects.

Parents shouldn't be burdened by regulations blocking them from choosing the best learning environment for their kids. Along with parents, educators, teachers, local school board members and business leaders from across the state have come together to support these new freedoms for the next generation of Californians. Please join us by voting “yes” on Proposition 58 in November. Together we can take a big step toward giving all our students a better chance to succeed and thrive.

Block represents the 39th Senate District and Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District. Both lawmakers are from San Diego.