BILL NUMBER: S6714

SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
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:

To create transitional programs for students from English-speaking coun-
tries 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 coun-
tries 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 applica-
tion to the commissioner, 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 coun-
tries of the Caribbean. Such programs shall provide support and addi-
tional instruction to facilitate the adjustment of such and immigrant
students who do not qualify for programs for limited English proficien-
cy. Such districts shall file a plan with the commissioner detailing
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 more than sixty-five thousand
inhabitants. These programs will provide support and additional instruc-
tion to facilitate the adjustment for such students.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The first of July next succeeding the date on which it becomes a law.