McCarthy Elementary Teachers Issue Call for Action to Improve ELL Services

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Teachers at McCarthy Elementary have issued a call for action after "months of frustration and lack of progress," regarding subpar resources for English language learners at the school.

In October, teachers at McCarthy complained that students in the English language learners program were not receiving services mandated by the Department of Education. After months of no action, 55 teachers have put their names to a letter demanding the school district provide the necessary resources.

"All students should receive the same services no matter which of the nine elementary schools they attend in the Framingham Public School district. Services should be equitable across the district," read the letter signed by the McCarthy staff.

The letter states that McCarthy has received an influx of students who have a first language other than English. The letter also states that the eight other elementary schools in the district have received proper ELL services.

The letter says that 20 students who qualify for ELL services at McCarthy are not receiving any services as mandated by the Department of Education. Furthermore, the McCarthy parents whose children are owed the services have never been informed.

The teachers at McCarthy are also against adding new programs, such as hiring three new mandarin teachers, when existing programs are under-serviced.

"We urge [Superintendent] Scott and the School Committee to do what’s right and “unfreeze” the budget in order to hire additional teachers!"