June 5, 2013
State Representative Bobby Sanchez lauded passage of legislation he championed that will bring to light English language learner students who have inappropriately and disproportionately been identified as requiring special education due to language barriers.
The measure, HB 6384, which passed both chambers in the legislature, will require that any board of education that incorrectly identifies minority students or students whose primary language is not English as requiring especial education because of their language deficiency, to submit a report showing an adopted plan of action to assist students through improved reading assessments and interventions for those in kindergarten to third grade.
“I have heard from parents whose children are placed in special education based on their English language command without further assessment,” Rep. Sanchez said. “These are intelligent, competent children who come from non-English speaking countries only to find themselves in special education classes when in fact, the only need they have is to learn English.”
Sanchez noted, “This legislation intends to hold the education system accountable for properly identifying students who have English language learning barriers versus those who have special education needs other than language. It is a good measure that will help our minority students get a chance to learn the language, without limiting their ability to be integrated to the general curriculum as quickly as possible.”
The measure awaits signature by Governor Malloy. It would become effective July 1, 2013.
Rep. Bobby Sanchez is Vice Chair of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, and a member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement as well as the Education Committees.