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Improve the English Proficiency of English Language Learners

Description: The current system, which does not offer English language learners the appropriate resources and support for success, is failing our youth. Data compiled over the last four years demonstrates that the present system for teaching Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in Massachusetts is failing at a disproportionately high rate. Not only do LEP students make up the highest percentage of high school dropouts, but the MCAS disparity between LEP students and their native English speaking peers is rising dramatically. MCAS results from the Class of 2008 show that while 95% of native English speaking students earned their Competency Determination (CD), only 57% of LEP students and 65% of former LEP students earned it. This statistic means that 35% of students who have completed an LEP program and have been determined to have “age-appropriate basic fluency in English” are not achieving their CD. The failure of our LEP students to learn English has damaging repercussions.

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Dear (you will select legislator(s) on the next screen) I am writing to urge you to support House Bill 486 “An Act Relative to Enhancing English Opportunities for All Students in the Commonwealth” which is currently before the Joint Committee on Education. This very important legislation will have a direct impact on the more than 65,000 Limited English Proficient (LEP) students in Massachusetts and an indirect impact on our Commonwealth as a whole. H.486 would require that school districts compile and report data regarding English language learners to the Department of Education, and require that all school districts provide at least one program for limited English proficient students. The resources and support systems offered in Massachusetts schools for English language learners have failed to meet the needs of the students. LEP students currently make up the highest percentage of dropouts in Massachusetts. These students choose to drop out rather than sit in a classroom where they cannot understand what the teacher is saying. Moreover, data compiled over the past four years shows that 35% of students who have completed an LEP program and have been determined to have “age-appropriate basic fluency in English” do not actually achieve the Competency Determination (CD) on the MCAS vs. the 95% of native English speakers who do. These statistics demonstrate that the current system for teaching LEP students has failed. These students and their parents seek nothing more than the opportunity to gain fluency in English and other subject matter. It is imperative that we provide them with the tools they need to succeed. I strongly urge you to support H.486.

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Sincerely,
(Name will appear on next page)