Koczera Supports New Approach To English Language Learning

State Representative Robert Koczera of New Bedford believes the one size fits all approach to English Language Learners doesn't work and he'd like to see a more flexible approach that would provide more options for local school districts.

Koczera told WBSM's Brian Thomas that's why he decided to co-sponsor An Act Relative To Language Opportunity For Our Kids.

"There's a growing problem with those that do not speak English as their primary language at home and they're not learning well in school," said Koczera "So I thought that this legislation addresses that by providing the school district with different methods to teach English Language Learners."

Koczera says that English Language Immersion isn't the only approach and school districts should be able to choose the option that's best for them.

"We can look at some other methods that would provide greater flexibility to individual school districts and defer to the educators in those school districts to make the decision of what programs will work," said Koczera.

Koczera says that these new approaches could help address the achievement gap that exists between english language learners and students for who English is their native language.