Inadequate Conclusions from an Inadequate Assessment: What Can SAT-9 Scores Tell Us about the Impact of Proposition 227 in California?

Abstract

Proponents of Proposition 227 in California have argued for the effectiveness of English-only instruction over bilingual programs based on the increase in SAT-9 scores in the years since its implementation. Based on analyses of SAT-9 scores from 1998 to 2000, this article argues that: scores increased for all students, not just for English-learning students; scores increased for most districts regardless of the types of programs implemented; increases could be attributed to a number of possible factors, but it is not possible to separate out the impact of Proposition 227; and SAT-9 is not an appropriate measure for assessing English-learning students.