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Skinner, Ross
support English language
learning;
career and technical education
House unanimously approves measures
Reps. Mary Skinner
and
Charles Ross
supported several bills
under consideration today in the House of Representatives that would advance
education for students learning the English language and for those
seeking careers in the trades.
House Bill 2810 would help almost 4,000 bilingual students in Yakima
with their transition to
the English language. If it becomes law, the legislation would provide additional
funding to smaller schools districts that meet the criteria for students
who are bilingual, and receive a free or reduced-price lunch.
“We heard a great
need from the Yakima School District that students would really benefit from
this legislation,” said Ross, R-Naches. “It’s great to see this go
through.”
The measure passed the
House, 95-0.
House Bill 2607 also was
approved unanimously in the
House. It would create a task force to recommend how
teachers could help students who are learning the English language. Skinner, whose family
heritage is Hispanic, said she greatly appreciates the measure.
"As a child who entered first grade without knowing English, I am
particularly interested in this legislation," Skinner told colleagues on
the House floor. "I also am extremely pleased that with this bill, the
young people coming into our schools in Washington would be able to
speak English well. This would help them compete in the business world
here and internationally."
A third measure,
House Bill 2826, would provide additional opportunities to students
interested in career and technical education. It also gained unanimous
House support.
"We need to make sure we
are not only providing students with more opportunities outside of the
classroom, but creating future trade and technical employees to support
our economy," Ross said. "The provisions in this bill will motivate
kids to stay in school because they'll have a high-demand skill after they graduate."
"This legislation
would help to improve preparation for students who wish to gain a
college education or move directly into the workforce," added Skinner,
R-Yakima.
"A quality education is an essential foundation for a skilled
workforce, success in business, and a strong economy. Our career and
technical education programs are important components in that goal."
All three bills now go to
the Senate for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
John Sattgast, Public
Information Officer - (360) 786-7257
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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