Programs aimed at helping students adjust to language

NASHUA, CT–Although America is a land of immigrants, throughout history, many Americans have hesitated to welcome newcomers. Even today, many want immigrants and refugees to assimilate quickly and are ambivalent about accommodations they believe might slow full story

Schools to get ‘Immigrant Children’ grant from state

BETHEL, CT–Families of the six children in an English as a Second Language class at Berry School came to Bethel from Ecuador, Albania and China. “We’re working on vowels, short ‘a’ and short ‘i’,” ESL tutor Joanne Matteo told the children last week. About 10 percent of Bethel students come from families that do not speak English. Spanish or Portuguese is spoken in most full story

Students Whose Families Don’t Speak English Rise In Plainville

PLAINVILLE, CT–Poverty in local schools rose during the past five years at about the same rate that it increased statewide, but the town has seen a disproportionate increase in students from foreign language-speaking households. In a newly released annual report charting trends in local schools, the state Department of Education also concluded that Plainville has reduced class sizes full story

Teacher arrested for possession of crack

NEW LONDON, CT–A New London middle school teacher is learning a tough lesson after being arrested in Westerly, Rhode Island for possession of crack cocaine. Possession of crack is a charge which concerns many at the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle school. “It’s disturbing because you trust the teachers when you send your kids to school.  And to find out something like full story

Governor’s deficit mitigation plan includes cuts to medical interpreters

HARTFORD, CT–Today the Governor announced her plan to address CT’s looming $268 million state budget deficit. Her plan cuts $1.175 million in previously approved funding for medical interpretation services in the Medicaid program. The CT Health Foundation reports that 22,000 people with limited English proficiency were enrolled in CT’s Medicaid program in 2003 and that full story