Parents have until Friday to weigh in on a proposal to change the admissions process for language immersion programs in Montgomery County public schools.
The tentative change proposed by the school board would eliminate the so-called “sibling link,” which gives students entrance to language immersion schools if their older brothers or sisters are already admitted.
Critics of this policy argue that it reduces the level of diversity in those programs. Supporters contend that it allows students to practice their language skills with their siblings at home.
The school board in December tentatively voted to replace the sibling link with a lottery system that would grant additional weight to student applicants whose brothers or sisters are in the programs. Socio-economic status, poverty and other factors identified by the schools superintendent might also be taken into account.
After the public comment period closes, the school board will make a final decision about the proposed policy change.
The proposal wouldn’t impact students applying to enter the immersion programs next fall.
