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The superintendent of schools, or his/her designee, shall ascertain annually the number of children of limited and non-English speaking ability within the school district and classify them according to their dominant language.
If it is determined that the school system has twenty or more limited or non-English speaking children in a given school who would be helped in developing mastery of the English language through a bilingual program, the superintendent is directed to develop a program of bilingual education for such eligible children for the next school year. The plan shall be submitted to the Commissioner of Education for review.
The Plainville Board of Education will insure that it will assess annually the progress made by each student toward meeting the English mastery standard. If a student does not make sufficient progress toward meeting the state standard, the board will provide additional language support and consultation with the parent or guardian of the student to allow the student to meet the state standard; such services may include summer school, after school assistance, and tutoring. If a student meets the state standard based on the assessment, the student shall leave the bilingual education program. The Board shall maintain documentation on the student's permanent record with regard to the date of commencement of the program and date and results of the required assessments. The Board shall limit the time an eligible student spends in a program of bilingual education to thirty months, whether or not such months are consecutive, except that summer school and two-way language programs shall not be counted. If an eligible student does not meet the English mastery standard at the end of thirty months, the District shall provide language transition support services to such student, including but not limited to English as a second language program, sheltered English programs, English immersion programs, tutoring and homework assistance. In addition, the District will schedule a meeting with the parents and legal guardians of eligible students to explain the benefits of the language program options before placing the student in a program of bilingual education.
The superintendent shall apply annually for a grant of funds to support such a program. The superintendent shall also submit annual reports of progress as required by law.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-17 English language to be medium of instruction. Exception
10-17a Establishment of bilingual and bicultural program
10-17d Application for and receipt of federal funds 10-17e Definitions
10-17f Required bilingual education
10-17g Application for grant. Annual evaluation report.
10-146f Waiver of certification requirements for bilingual teachers
State Board of Education Regulations
10-17h-1 to 10-17h-15 Programs of bilingual education
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