Press Release Details
SF Board of Education Adopts New Policy in Support of Newcomer High School Students Link to this section
May 13, 2015 (San Francisco) – At its regular meeting last night, the San Francisco Board of Education adopted the new “Let Me Learn” resolution calling for high schools with Newcomer Pathways to increase translated signage and allow students to access to their smart phones during the school day for translation support.
The resolution was sponsored by Commissioner Sandra Lee Fewer and the Lincoln High School Peer Resources class.
“In order for English Learners and Newcomers to be successful, they must feel comfortable and welcome in their school environments,” said Commissioner Fewer. “They should feel a sense of personal power in school.”
Specifically, the policy will allow students who are English Learners and Newcomers to access translation applications on their personal cell phones while in class to assist them in their classwork, and it requires SFUSD to provide more signage translated into major languages in all high schools with Newcomer Pathways.
According to the students who co-authored the resolution, translation tools on their phones can create a deeper understanding of what is being taught in class.
The policy also encourages school staff to learn several phrases in their students’ home languages.
The district currently serves approximately 16,000 English Language learners, including over 3,000 high school students, many who are new to this country.
“Let Me Learn” goes into effect immediately.
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Page updated on 05/13/15