State, feds work to settle complaint over immersion program

PHOENIX (AP) - State and federal officials are working to settle a complaint that alleges Arizona's program for teaching English to children who don't speak the language is discriminatory.

Federal authorities have been investigating the program since 2010 after a complaint was filed alleging the required four hours of daily instruction illegally segregated students who don't speak English and denied them access to the rest of their public-school education.

Michael Bradley, chief of staff for the Arizona Department of Education, told the Arizona Capitol Times that both sides agree students should spend less time in English immersion classes as their skills improve, but they disagree over how to determine when to cut back.

Information from: Arizona Capitol Times, http://www.arizonacapitoltimes.com