State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo
March 10, 2008
DeFronzo Gives Strong Endorsement to Bill Supporting Polish Language Students
At the Legislative Office Building in Hartford today, state Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain) testified in support of a measure that would allow students attending nonprofit language and cultural educational programs to receive high school credit after passing a standardized exam approved by the state Department of Education.
"The bill before you," Senator DeFronzo told members of the General Assembly's Education Committee, "will allow Connecticut to join four other states in allowing public school students who participate in foreign language courses in private, not-for-profit schools to obtain credit for such courses, provided the student passes a standard examination approved by the Commissioner of Education."
The Polish Saturday School, a 47-year-old nonprofit organization located in New Britain, brought the proposal to the New Britain Delegation's attention as a way to open doors for students enrolled in this and other programs. Similar programs exist in Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford and Danbury.
"The purpose of the Polish Saturday School, which is funded privately, is to promote the heritage, culture and language of Polish American young people now living in the United States," said Senator DeFronzo. "In New Britain, over 600 children ages five to 18 attend Saturday School each week. The dedication of the students, staff and parents is remarkable."
The Education Committee's deadline to act on the legislation-filed as House Bill 5820-is March 19. The 2008 regular legislative session adjourns on May 7.
Download a copy of Senator DeFronzo's testimony
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