Bill > S262

This bill, titled "For language opportunity for our kids," aims to improve educational opportunities for English learners (ELs) in Massachusetts by overhauling existing laws related to language instruction. It establishes that all children are entitled to a high-quality education that prepares them for a global economy, and that Massachusetts must invest in programs that foster multilingualism and 21st-century skills. The bill defines key terms such as "language acquisition program," "English learner," "sheltered English immersion," "English Language Development" (ELD), "English as a second language" (ESL), and "dual language education." It mandates that local school districts annually collect and publicly report data on English learners, and requires that ELs receive comprehensive, research-based instruction that includes both content and English language acquisition components, allowing districts flexibility in choosing program types like sheltered English immersion, dual language, or transitional bilingual education. The bill also emphasizes the importance of English language development (ELD) instruction, requiring it to be appropriate for a student's proficiency level and delivered by licensed teachers, with each district needing at least one ESL-licensed teacher. Furthermore, it grants parents the right to choose among available EL programs within their district and to withdraw their child from a program, while also establishing parent advisory councils for language acquisition programs. The bill mandates annual English proficiency testing for ELs, with results used to evaluate program effectiveness, and requires districts to provide progress reports to parents in an understandable language. It also introduces a community-based English tutoring initiative, allocating $5 million annually for adult English language instruction to support parents who pledge to tutor EL children. Finally, the bill introduces a "State Seal of Biliteracy" to recognize high school graduates with high proficiency in English and at least one other language, promoting language study and acknowledging linguistic diversity.