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Board approves changes to newcomer English‑learner programming after debate and public comment
Summary
The board voted to accept district recommendations to shorten newcomer program duration to one year and increase integration with neighborhood schools; the proposal drew questions from teachers, parents and advocacy groups during public comment and a split vote from one board member.
The Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education on March 11 voted to accept district recommendations to realign newcomer English‑learner programming, including reducing the program’s maximum duration from two years to one year and increasing integration of newcomer students with English‑speaking peers.
Chief of Schools Allison Dino and Executive Director Alia Gonzales del Castillo presented the administration’s findings on newcomer enrollment, screening and outcomes. They said newcomer enrollment had risen to more than 940 students at the time of the presentation and that the district’s recommendations were intended to align local programming with federal guidance in a 2015 U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice "Dear Colleague" letter, which urges that newcomer supports should not…
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