Student fluency woes rising
New testing finds 28% in Hub need help in English
The number of Boston school students identified as lacking fluency in English surged dramatically over the past school year, presenting further challenges for a school district already under federal investigation for failing to provide adequate programs for students trying to learn the language.
Such students now number nearly 16,000, about 28 percent of the district’s total enrollment, according to new data released by the district. Last fall, the group consisted of more than 11,000 students.
Much of the increase emerged after school officials complied with a federal directive to retest thousands of students who were improperly evaluated over the last seven years for English fluency, causing them not to be identified for services. Those students were tested only on how well they speak and listen in English, but not their ability to read and write in the language.
GLOBE EDUCATION NEWS
Student fluency woes rising
The number of Boston school students identified as lacking fluency in English surged dramatically over the past school year, presenting further challenges for a school district already under federal investigation for failing to provide adequate programs for students trying to learn the language. (By James Vaznis, Globe Staff)
Elise Boulding; sociologist studied peace, conflict; at 89
Dr. Elise Boulding, an international peace activist, saw life as an unpredictable adventure. “We never know what’s going to happen next,’’ Dr. Boulding said in a 1990 interview with Alan AtKisson called “Concentrating on Essence: An interview with Elise Boulding.’’ (By Jeffrey Fish, Globe Correspondent)
Strong start for UMass Law
NORTH DARTMOUTH — Applications and enrollment at the state’s first public law school have surged since the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth acquired the struggling Southern New England School of Law, an early sign that the controversial merger is off to an auspicious start. (By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff)
Sci-fi becomes the new reality
One wallet becomes more difficult to open as its owner’s bank account runs low on money; another wallet swells and shrinks, depending on the available cash; a third buzzes when there’s any kind of movement in the account. (By D.C. Denison, Globe Staff)
Northern Essex Community College president to retire
When David Hartleb was selected president of Northern Essex Community College in 1995, he was not the unanimous choice of the trustees. (By Wendy Killeen, Globe Correspondent)
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