English as Second Language (“ESL”) Bilingual Education

WHEREAS, there is a growing number of persons of color entering into the United States not able to speak English, i.e., from Africa and Mexico; and

WHEREAS, schools are ensuring that English proficiency students have access to equal educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, there are no procedures in place to refer these students to "gifted" programs.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all states must guarantee the training of English as Second Language ("ESL"); that teachers at all schools provide adequate education for all students and that appropriate steps be taken to remediate academic deficiencies identified in students who have exited from the Alternate Language Program ("ALP"); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all State Office of Education personnel monitor "ESL" students for up to two years after they have left the program and inform parents in their native languages about Gifted and Talented Programs available in the school district.