ADMINISTRATIVE

During the 1998 session of the General Assembly, $6.4
million was appropriated for the 1998-2000 biennium to
assist school divisions with the educational needs of
students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Your
allocation for FY 1998-99 is posted on the attached form at
the top of the page.

We take this opportunity to reiterate Virginia's commitment
to provide meaningful instruction to all of its students,
including this segment of the at-risk population. Legal
precedents clearly call for school divisions to accommodate
students whose native language is not English so they can
profit from educational opportunities offered them. Programs
for students identified as limited English proficient (LEP)
should include a means of identification, assessment, and
placement in an appropriate educational program. These state
funds come to you with the stipulation that they be used
solely for ESL services and activities.

We ask that you provide us with updated information
regarding your ESL program on the attached form. Please
forward this form by October 16, 1998 to Linda Wallinger,
Foreign Language/ESL Specialist, at the address listed on
the form.  

 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr.
Wallinger at [804] 225-2593.


PDS/ce

Attachment:      A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
                 will be sent to the superintendent's office.