BILL NUMBER:S657

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
S.687 of 2011
01/05/11 REFERRED TO EDUCATION
01/04/12 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.