Hearing of the Joint Committee of Education
Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM
Massachusetts State House, Room A-2

Teachers, students, parents, and other community members can testify in favor of the legislation.  Be prepared to testify on behalf of: S.232  An Act for language opportunity for our kids

Please contact the coalition through our Contact Us page to let us know you plan to testify!

The LOOK Bill

The bill removes the current mandate requiring Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) as the “one size fits all” default English Language Learner (ELL) program model, and gives school districts the flexibility to establish programs based on the educational needs of their ELL students.

It also establishes the State Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high school graduates who speak, write, and write in two languages (with the same language as S.311/H.285 An Act to Promote Global Trade and Economic Development through Biliteracy)

GUIDANCE FOR ORAL TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials that tell a story about individuals are very powerful.  Focus on what you know and care about.  Think about what you know and have experienced and present your concerns and ideas for better solutions, or one or two issues listed in the ELL Bill Fact Sheet April 2017 and speak to that. You have so much to offer policy conversations without having to be a data or policy expert.

Plan to speak for no more than 3 minutes.

GUIDANCE FOR WRITTEN TESTIMONY

You can submit written testimony to the Chairs of the committee and cc: your State Senator and State Representative.  Here is the list of names for the Joint Education Committee Chairs and members.  Bring a written copy of our testimony to leave with the committee, as well.  You can bring just one copy of testimony, and the staff will make copies for the Committee files, or you can bring enough for all committee members (~20) if you prefer.  You can bring other visual handouts to attach with your testimony, too.

GUIDANCE FOR WRITTEN TESTIMONIES

•  Limit the text to 1.5 pages
• Include your name, address, where you work or study, what you do for work,
• State “I am  ….
• State I am in favor of the bill S232 (Look Bill) and this is why.
• Pick one point listed in the ELL Bill Fact Sheet April 2017 and speak to that.
• State “I recommend that bill S232 (Look Bill) should be passed.