Budget crisis forces deep cuts at Calif. schools; language programs an easy target

[Francis Hult]

Via lgpolicy...
 

Budget crisis forces deep cuts at Calif. schools
By TERENCE CHEA - 21 hours ago

RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) - California's historic budget crisis threatens
to devastate a public education system that was once considered a
national model but now ranks near the bottom in school funding and
academic achievement. Deep budget cuts are forcing California school
districts to lay off thousands of teachers, expand class sizes, close
schools, eliminate bus service, cancel summer school programs, and
possibly shorten the academic year. Without a strong economic
recovery, which few experts predict, the reduced school funding could
last for years, shortchanging millions of students, driving away
residents and businesses, and darkening California's economic future.

"California used to lead the nation in education," U.S. Education
Secretary Arne Duncan said during a recent visit to San Francisco.
"Honestly, I think California has lost its way, and I think the
long-term consequences of that are very troubling."
The budget cuts will be especially painful for struggling schools such
as Richmond High School, where more than half of its 1,700 students
are English learners and three-quarters are considered poor. The East
Bay area school has failed to meet academic standards set by the
federal No Child Left Behind Act for more than four years.


Full story:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jzBQHg3_Tj8KrrSfUKJYTWyHF6cAD98V7T001


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