MA S2395

Bill

MA S2395

For language opportunity for our kids

Introduced
06/30/2016

In Committee

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
07/31/2016

Introduced Session

189th General Court

Bill Summary

SENATE, Thursday, June 30, 2016 - The committee on Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill for language opportunity for our kids (Senate, No. 2288),-- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2395).

AI Summary

This bill, titled "For language opportunity for our kids," aims to improve educational opportunities for English learners, which are students who do not speak English or whose native language is not English and are not yet able to perform regular classroom work in English. Key provisions include replacing the term "limited English proficient student" with "English learner" throughout relevant laws, and establishing a state seal of biliteracy to recognize high school graduates who achieve proficiency in both English and another language. The bill also mandates that school districts identify and classify English learners, track their academic performance, and provide comprehensive, research-based instructional programs that may include various approaches like sheltered content instruction (teaching academic subjects with language support) and English language development (focused English acquisition). Parents will have the right to choose among available programs, refuse enrollment, or withdraw their child, with written confirmation required. Furthermore, districts with a significant number of English learners will be required to establish an English learner parent advisory council to advise on matters concerning these students. The bill also outlines requirements for annual English language proficiency assessments, public reporting of aggregated data, and on-site evaluations of English learner programs by the state department of education. Finally, it specifies that teachers and administrators working with English learners must be properly qualified and certified, and it introduces an endorsement for educators specializing in dual-language programs, with these changes to take effect for school years beginning on or after the 2018-2019 school year.

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Senate Committee on Ways and Means (Senate)

Last Action

Reprinted as amended, see S2421 (on 07/07/2016)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S2395

(19 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S2395
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/S2395.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1009	Improving the Children's Medical Security Program and simplifying the administration process	Accompanied a study order, see H4635	Similar To
S101	Revising the interstate compact on the placement of children	Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Similar To
S1373	Authorizing Gary W. Tirrell to receive additional creditable service from the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System	Accompanied a study order, see S2314	Similar To
S1478	Abolishing the death tax	Accompanied a study order, see S2290	Similar To
S2029	Relative to the re-homing of children	New draft substituted, see S2043	Similar To
S2047	To promote quality physical education	Passed to be engrossed -see Roll Call #202 [YEAS 37 - NAYS 2]	Similar To
S2293	To protect children and families from harmful flame retardants	Reprinted as amended, see S2302	Similar To
S2320	To establish the Center of Excellence in Community Policing and Behavioral Health	Accompanied a study order, see H4637	Similar To
S2421	For language opportunity for our kids	Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Replaces
S37	Establishing a sick leave bank for Christine Chrzanowski, an employee of the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital	New draft substituted, see S1917	Similar To
S404	To require producer responsibility for collection, reuse and recycling of discarded electronic products	Accompanied S452	Similar To
S556	To make habilitative services available to the children of the Commonwealth	Accompanied a study order, see S2318	Similar To
S66	Improving the children's medical security program and simplifying the administration process	Accompanied a study order, see S2306	Similar To
S672	Creating higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities	Accompanied a new draft, see S2157	Similar To
S676	Relative to breaking generational cycles of poverty	Accompanied a new draft, see S2099	Similar To
S72	Establishing a plan to ensure the educational stability of foster children	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S73	Creating an electronic backpack for foster children	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S75	Relative to the re-homing of children	New draft substituted, see S2043	Similar To
S88	Establishing a commission on the status of children and youth	Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Similar To

Bill > S2395

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Introduced Session

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Sponsors (0)

Other Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

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