Reversing our monolingualism in Massachusetts?

Remember how California may be reversing their state requirements around teaching English language learners? Massachusetts may do the same, as the bill is out of committee!

The proposal is making its way through the legislature. If it is enacted, parents would be able to advise on current ELL offerings and on the planning and developing of new programs through to-be-established English learner parent advisory councils for each relevant district. 

Additionally, the bill would require greater tracking of EL students to evaluate how effective programs for them are. The LOOK bill also calls for measures to promote multilingualism as an asset, not a problem. It would establish a State Seal of Biliteracy, awarded to high school graduates on their diplomas or transcripts if they have “attained a high level of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and listening in one or more languages in addition to English.” 

The LOOK bill was filed in both the House and the Senate. It passed unanimously in the Joint Committee on Education last week and moved to the committee on Senate and House Ways and Means.

I'll keep an eye on it!