The Illinois Policy Institute's Collin Hitt speaks on policies for English Language Learners

On November 18, 2008 the Illinois Policy Institute hosted a forum on English Language Learner policy in Chicago. Illinois state law requires schools to offer transitional bilingual education whenever there are 20 or more English learners with the same common language enrolled. But in 2005-06, barely a third of students exiting bilingual programs had succeeded in demonstrating adequate English skills to transition into mainstream classrooms. This number was under 30 percent in the Chicago Public Schools.

How do we most effectively teach students with limited English language skills? What methods are working best today?

Speakers included Collin Hitt of the Illinois Policy Institute, Don Soifer of the Lexington Institute, Roger Prosise of Diamond Lake School District 76, and Tony Reyes, President, Board of Education, West Chicago Community High School District 94. Learn more about common-sense education reform policy at http://www.illinoispolicyinstitute.org.

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• collin hitt
• illinois
• chicago
• lexington institute
• don soifer
• roger prosise
• diamond lake
• tony reyes