Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
Oregon Measure 58, Public School English Immersion Initiative (2008)
| Oregon Measure 58 | |
|---|---|
|
|
|
| Election date |
|
| Topic Education and English language policy |
|
| Status |
|
| Type Initiated state statute |
Origin |
Oregon Measure 58 was on the ballot as an initiated state statute in Oregon on November 4, 2008. It was defeated.
A "yes" vote supported prohibiting teaching public school students in any language other than English for more than two years, with the exception of foreign language classes taught to English-speaking students. |
A "no" vote opposed prohibiting teaching public school students in any language other than English for more than two years, with the exception of foreign language classes taught to English-speaking students. |
Election results
|
Oregon Measure 58 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 756,903 | 43.64% | ||
|
|
977,696 | 56.36% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Measure 58 was as follows:
| “ | Prohibits teaching public school student in language other than English for more than two years | ” |
Ballot summary
The ballot summary for this measure was:
| “ | Current law requires instruction in all school subjects (except foreign languages) to be primarily in English; permits instruction in more than one language so students whose native language is not English can make early transition to English; requires schools to provide English courses for children unable to profit from classes taught in English. Measure provides that no public school student shall be taught in language other than English for more than two years, with exception for classes teaching foreign language to English-speaking students. Limits "English immersion classes" (not defined) to no more than two years for students whose primary language is not English and who are not capable of being taught in English; after that, students shall be taught exclusively in English. Other provisions. | ” |
Full Text
The full text of this measure is available here.
Path to the ballot
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Oregon, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 6% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.
See also
External links
Footnotes
 |
State of Oregon Salem (capital) |
|---|---|
| Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
| Government |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |
