Boston School Committee to host Community Forum on Bilingual Education

Families, staff, public invited to share perspectives on the education of English language learners in the Boston Public Schools

On Tuesday, May 14, the Boston School Committee will host a Community Forum entitled "Bilingual and Beyond: The Education of Boston's English Language Learners."

In the context of the Unz Initiative and other proposed reforms to bilingual education programs in Massachusetts public schools, communities throughout the state are taking a close look at how schools can best educate students whose first language is not English. The public debate surrounding this issue presents an opportunity for Boston's families, educators, elected officials and community partners to examine the district's strengths and challenges in providing educational supports for English language learners.

The forum is designed not to be a public debate about the various legislative measures under consideration but rather an overview and exploration of various personal experiences in bilingual education classrooms and other programs for English language learners.

The event will include a panel discussion followed by questions and conversation with the audience.

The forum will take place in the auditorium of the Roland Hayes Division of Music, Madison Park Complex, 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments and translators will be available.

For more information, contact the office of the Boston School Committee, (617) 635-9014.