Bill > S2125

This bill makes several changes to the laws governing English learners in Massachusetts: 1. It replaces the term "limited English proficient student" with "English learner" throughout the law. 2. It adds new reporting requirements for school districts on topics like English learner program evaluations, opportunities for native language instruction, and participation of English learners in regular and advanced programs. 3. It establishes a state seal of biliteracy that school districts can award to high school graduates who meet academic benchmarks in one or more languages in addition to English. 4. It sets new requirements for English learner programs, including that they must be research-based, utilize best practices, and offer English language development instruction at the appropriate level for each student. It also allows parents to choose the program for their child and refuse enrollment. 5. It requires annual testing of English learners' English proficiency and public reporting of the results, while specifying that these test scores cannot be the sole basis for evaluating programs or educators. 6. It directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop guidelines and templates to help identify and support English learners who are not meeting proficiency benchmarks. 7. It establishes qualification requirements for teachers and administrators working in English learner programs. The overall goal of the bill is to strengthen policies and practices around educating and supporting English learners in Massachusetts public schools.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2125