Relates to providing funding for transitional programs for students from English-speaking Caribbean countries who are not eligible for limited English proficiency programs.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6828
SPONSOR: Pretlow 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 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 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 immi-
grant 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 instruc-
tion to facilitate the adjustment for such immigrant students
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024 A3216 referred to education
2021-2022 A1686 referred to Education
2019-2020 A3189 referred to education
2017/2018 A999 referred to ways and means
2015/2016 A1443 referred to education
2013-14 A3035 held for consideration in education.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None. New bill.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall become a law
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
6828
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 14, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. PRETLOW -- read once and referred to the Commit-
tee on Education
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
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Section 3641 of the education law is amended by adding a
2 new subdivision 18 to read as follows:
3 18. Transition programs for students from English-speaking countries
4 of the Caribbean. a. City school districts in cities having populations
5 in excess of sixty-five thousand inhabitants upon application to the
6 commissioner therefore, and within amounts appropriated for such
7 purpose, shall be eligible for grants to fund programs conducted by such
8 districts which are designed and intended for the purpose of aiding the
9 cultural and academic transition of students from English-speaking coun-
10 tries of the Caribbean into schools in New York state. Such programs
11 shall provide support and additional instruction to facilitate the
12 adjustment of such immigrant students who do not qualify for programs
13 for limited English proficiency.
14 b. Such districts shall file a plan with the commissioner which shall
15 detail procedures for identifying pupils who have recently immigrated
16 from English-speaking Caribbean countries and detailing services to be
17 provided for such students. Preference shall be given to programs
18 providing instruction, support and services to students who received
19 limited or interrupted formal education in their country of origin.
20 c. The commissioner shall adopt regulations for the implementation of
21 this grant program.
22 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding
23 the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05847-01-5
