California's new Master Plan for Education, which recognizes the need for language policy that allows for dual-language education for students, has the potential to solve a grave problem, says Patricia Gándara, an education expert at UC Davis.

Under this policy, by high school graduation, dual-language students would have the opportunity to master oral and written expression in English and their native language.

"The state of California is inevitably moving toward a state that will function in two languages as a result of its demography," says Gándara, associate director of the UC Linguistic Minority Research Institute and director of its policy center.

Because 40 percent of California's students come from homes where another language than English is spoken and because of other educational issues, many have difficulty excelling in school when instructed only in English, Gándara says.

The proposed master plan focuses on a more student-centered education system that responds to learner needs and improves outcomes. It states, "The ultimate goal is to make every California child bilingual and biliterate, with progress evident by the end of third grade."

Gándara participated in one of the K-16 master plan working groups that examined and research and recommended best practices for dual-language students.

Currently budget and regulatory changes are taking place to begin the Master Plan for Education. Without doubt this plan will increase the success rate in school for students who speak a language other than English, says Gándara.