WHEREAS, acquisition of and proficiency in conversational English is essential for incoming students to successfully navigate schools and communities; and

WHEREAS, all students must master content-specific English as a "new language" if they are to succeed in school regardless of their overall proficiency in English; and

WHEREAS, an ability to successfully write and speak English is an essential element of our academic process; and

WHEREAS, English language learners (ELLs) have the dual challenge of mastering colloquial and academic English, and

WHEREAS, this dual challenge requires that ELLs receive additional direct instruction in both conversational and academic English to achieve success in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS our students need more, not less, instruction in and assistance with English; and

WHEREAS, the amendments to the Part 154 regulations have resulted in the reduction of direct English language instruction to ELLs; and

WHEREAS, this reduction is particularly detrimental to students who are simultaneously developing an ability to communicate in conversational, written and academic English; and

WHEREAS, the United Federation of Teachers expressed its concerns when the NYS Education Department initially proposed these amendments to the Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154  to the NYS Board of Regents; and

WHEREAS, in response to member concerns about the adverse effect of these amendments on instructional time for ELLs, the UFT formed a working group comprised of in-service English as a New Language (ENL) educators to analyze all aspects of the Part 154 regulations including their impact on classroom instruction and on socio-emotional support for ELLs; and

WHEREAS, this working group and the leadership of New York State United Teachers met on March 30, 2016 with Chancellor Betty Rosa, members of the NYS Board of Regents, representatives of the NYS Education Department and staff of the NYC Department of Education to raise concerns about the current nature of ENL instruction in our schools; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to advocate, in partnership with other advocacy groups, before the Board of Regents, the NYS Education Department and the NYC Department of Education for changes to the Part 154 regulations; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the UFT will work to ensure that all ELLs receive appropriate ENL instruction as well as the resources and supports that will help them to achieve at the highest levels.