Boston School Committee passes Resolution opposing Question 2

BOSTON -- The Boston School Committee yesterday passed by unanimous consent a resolution (attached) opposing Question 2, the so-called "Unz Initiative." The ballot question would abolish the existing range of bilingual education programs in Massachusetts public schools and replace them with a one-year English immersion program for all English Language Learners. The Committee joined Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant in denouncing the measure on educational grounds, contending that parents should maintain access to a variety of educational programs in order to meet students' individual needs.

"The Boston School Committee is united in our opposition to this harmful initiative," said School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger, who introduced the resolution. "Research and experience in our classrooms show that students learn English in different ways. If we mandate that the only way to acquire English is through a single year of immersion classes, we would deny families access to a variety of models which have proven successful in increasing student achievement."

Last month, the Committee adopted a new policy for English Language Learners. The policy is designed to offer high-quality, research-driven programs which accelerate the acquisition of academic English, provide programmatic choice for families, emphasize accountability for results, and foster partnerships among schools and communities.

The resolution asserts that if passed, Question 2 would disrupt the education reform process underway in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth and would halt efforts to implement the reforms outlined in the new policy for English Language Learners. The resolution also opposed the proposed enforcement of the Unz Initiative, which would make teachers, principals and other educators vulnerable to personal lawsuits.

In testimony before the Massachusetts Legislature Joint Committee on Education last March, Dr. Payzant said, "This initiative would silence the voices of those closest to the children. It would silence parents on the choice of programs. It would silence educators on how best to meet the needs of their students."

According to Dr. Payzant, approximately 15% (9,800) of the 64,000 students in the Boston Public Schools are currently enrolled in bilingual education programs. Another 15% are in regular or special education programs but come from families whose first language is not English.