BILL NUMBER:  S149

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the education law, in relation to funding for programs
to assist students transitioning from the English-speaking countries
of the Caribbean


 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :
To create transitional programs for students from English-speaking
countries of the Caribbean who do not qualify for programs for limited
English proficiency. School districts in cities having populations in
excess of sixty-five thousand inhabitants upon application to the
commissioner therefore, and within amounts appropriated for such
purpose, shall be eligible for grants to fund programs conducts by
such districts which are designed and intended for the purpose of
aiding the cultural and academic transition of students from
English-speaking countries of the Caribbean into schools in New York
State.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :
The bill will be effective for City School districts in cities having
populations in excess of sixty-five thousand inhabitants upon
application to the commissioner therefore, and within amounts
appropriated for such purpose, shall be eligible for grants to fund
programs conducted by such districts which are designed and intended
              

for the purpose of aiding the cultural and academic transition of
students from English-speaking countries of the Caribbean. Such
programs shall provide support and additional instruction to
facilitate the adjustment of such and immigrant students who do not
qualify for programs for limited English proficiency. Such districts
shall file a plan with the commissioner which shall detail procedures
for identifying pupils who have recently immigrated from
English-speaking Caribbean countries and detailing services to be
provided for such students. Preference shall be given to programs
providing instruction, support and services to students who received
limited or interrupted formal education in their country of origin.
The commissioner shall adopt regulations for the implementation of
this grant program,

 JUSTIFICATION :
This bill seeks to assist English-speaking Caribbean students who
require extra help in transitioning into New York State Schools but do
not qualify for programs for limited English proficiency, in school
districts of cities having populations in excess of sixty-five
thousand inhabitants. These programs will provide support and
additional instruction to facilitate the adjustment for such immigrant
students.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
S.7495 of 2008
04/10/08 REFERRED TO EDUCATION

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
Unknown at present time.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the
date on which it shall become a law