Fronteras

The ACLU has sued the state of California, alleging it is failing to provide English instruction to public school students who aren’t fluent.

State law requires schools to help students who primarily speak a foreign language become fluent in English.

But the ACLU suit alleges that more than 20,000 students across the state aren’t getting the English instruction they need, even though their schools are getting state money for that purpose.

The suit singles out the Grossmont Union High School District in East County, where it says more than 40 percent of English language learners aren’t getting adequate instruction.

The district has said that high number is due to a reporting error, and that nearly every student who needs English help is getting it.

In a statement, a top California education official said the state is determined to get English language learners the instruction they need.