Multilingual NYC: Boldly Reimagining Multilingualism in NYC Public Schools

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Overview

On August 29, 1974,  the ASPIRA Consent Decree established the right of English Language Learners to receive bilingual education in NYC public schools. 50 years later, we still have work to do to ensure inclusion and access for every student. Currently, 18% of students are identified as English Language Learners ( ELL Demographics At-a-Glance) and 44% of NYC Public Schools students speak a language other than English at home. Since Fall 2022, we have also welcomed over 40,000 school-aged "New New Yorkers." 

NYC Public Schools is Boldly Reimagining Multilingualism in NYC Public Schools by developing a community-informed strategy for:

  • Welcoming and Inclusive Schools
  • Pathways to Multilingualism
  • Preparing Global Leaders

Advisory Council for Boldly Reimagining Multilingualism in NYC Public Schools

In June 2024, Chancellor Banks announced the creation of an advisory council for Boldly Reimagining Multilingualism in NYC Public Schools ( press release). This Multilingual NYC Advisory Council will include students, parents, community members, and New York City Public Schools staff.

Goals of the Multilingual NYC Advisory Council:

  • Providing every NYC Public School student with a pathway to multilingualism
  • Reducing the dropout rate and increasing the graduation rate for English Language Learners

The application to apply to be on the council is now closed. We will review applications and select council members in the next few weeks.

Council Membership Expectations

  • Council membership is voluntary.
  • Members should be available to attend 1-2 virtual meetings per month. These meetings will be between one and two hours long.
  • Members should provide NYC Public Schools with an email address (or alternate/accessible mode of communication). Members should check it frequently for time-sensitive communications.
  • Members may also be asked to support this work in between meetings. This support may involve: 
    • Drafting communications 
    • Interviewing stakeholders 
    • Reviewing materials 
    • Brainstorming ideas 
  • Members should be committed to participating in this work for at least six months.

List of Members

We will announce the advisory council members in the fall.

Meeting Schedule

The full council will meet every other month beginning in November. Sub-councils will meet monthly. We will publish meeting agendas and materials in this section on an ongoing basis.

Report on Findings from the Council

NYCPS, in partnership with the Columbia University Center for Public Research and Leadership, will publish a full-length report to reflect the findings from the council.

Other Ways to Participate

Participation in this work is not limited to council members. We want to learn from everyone interested in sharing their perspectives. 

  • Completing surveys: responding to surveys on specific topics or programs and services for multilingual learners and immigrant students more broadly
  • Speaking in one-on-one or small group conversations: participating in or conducting interviews or focus groups 
  • Being an ambassador to the work: spreading the word, sharing resources with your community, and attending events to show support

Email us (multilinguallearners@schools.nyc.gov) if you are interested!

Contact

Email us (multilinguallearners@schools.nyc.gov) with any questions.