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Committee backs two-year pilot to expand intensive ELL programs and will provide written testimony
Summary
The committee supported a resolve directing a two-year pilot to expand intensive English language learner programs at the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine and voted to submit written testimony emphasizing district need and long waiting lists for adult/EL classes.
The committee voted to support a two-year pilot program that would expand intensive English-language learner (ELL) programs at the University of Maine system and University of Southern Maine and directed staff to prepare written testimony in support.
Chair Lentz described the bill as authorizing partnerships to expand intensive ELL offerings. Dr. Grace Valenzuela confirmed she saw no reason the district should oppose the measure and noted that adult-education and intensive ELL seats are constrained statewide; she said Portland has lengthy waiting lists for adult-education ESL classes.
Members agreed written testimony should document the district’s experience with demand for ELL services and urge statewide expansion of accessible ELL coursework across public higher-education institutions. The committee moved to support the pilot and to provide written testimony; motion passed.
