Lamont Proposes 'English Learners’ Bill of Rights' For Connecticut

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed new legislation codifying the rights of English learners to receive a quality education in Connecticut public schools.

The proposed legislation directs the State Board of Education to draft an "English Learners’ Bill of Rights in Connecticut" that would compile existing federal and state laws and requirements that "safeguard and protect the provision of bilingual education."

English learners are students who have been identified as having a dominant language other than English, according to a news release from the Governor's Office.

"In Connecticut, more than 50% of our student population now identifies as non-white. Additionally, more than 45,000 or 8.8% of our students are identified as English learners. This is why an English Learners’ Bill of Rights is so important at this time," Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker said in a statement.

Among other provisions, the "Bill of Rights" would guarantee the right of an English learner student to:

• attend public school regardless of immigration status;
• have a translator present at critical interactions with teachers and administrators, such as parent-teacher conferences and meetings with administrators;
• participate in a program of bilingual education when there are 20 or more eligible students classified as dominant in a language other than English;
• receive support services aligned with any intervention plan that the school or school district provides to all students; and
• be continuously and annually enrolled in a program of bilingual education or English as a new language while such student remains an eligible student.

The complete proposed legislation may be viewed online here.