The student’s parent must be notified about the screening test results and the placement decisions no later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year or within two weeks if the student enrolls in the school district during the school year. Such notifications will be provided in English and in a language that the parent can understand, to the maximum extent practicable.
Massachusetts law requires districts to inform parents of their rights: (1) to “opt out” of specialized language programs; and (2) to request a waiver from the state-mandated sheltered English immersion (SEI) program model. G.L. c. 71A, §5. “Opt out” indicates an informed decision by the parent to not have the child placed in any ELE formal instruction program. A “waiver” indicates a desire by the parent to waive the child from participation in the SEI program. ELL students whose parents decline entry into the district SEI programs will continue to be provided English language support.
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