Speech #980235856

This provision will provide urgently needed improvements in educational auditing procedures. This mere codification of the intent of Congress will provide at least 60 California school districts from an audit claim totaling $28 million. I particularly praise the reauthorization and extension of the Emergency Immigrant Education Program and the Bilingual Education Act. In addition. I commend Representatives BARTLETT. CORRADA. KiLDEE. and MCCAIN for their outstanding efforts in improving the Bilingual Education Act which includes alternative instructional approaches while continuing support for the traditional transitional methods. My State of California alone is home for nearly 50 percent of all refugees that immigrate to the United States. Our school districts are burdened by a continuing influx of immigrant children. whose education involves increased costs. Without funding through such programs as the Emergency Immigrant Education Act and the Bilingual Education Act. we would be unable to provide our new residents with muchneeded educational services to assist them in assimilating and participating in our society. Children of limitedEnglish proficiency are a Federal constituency in the same way as handicapped children. disadvantaged children. and other specialneeds groups. A students right to intelligible instruction is a fundamental right that is protected by Federal law. As the number of students of limitedEnglish proficiency increases daily. it becomes evident that we are losing the full depth of our Nations potential by failing to utilize their talents and capabilities. It is through such programs as the Emergency Immigrant Education Program and the Bilingual Education Act that we can prevent academic retardation and negative selfconcepts and can effectively enhance the students whole future capability for learning. Our investment in these programs today can only reap benefits for our Nation tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Education Amendments Act of 1984.