There has to be a certain comfort level in a classroom for education to succeed. Many have had their education severely interrupted. And the students are at an awkward age: too young to be in adult programs, but older than most high school seniors. The law entitles residents who have not yet received a high school diploma to a public education until they turn The program faces a bundle of challenges β also known as opportunities, as any good school system knows.
Worcester school administrators, led by Superintendent Maureen F. Binienda, who is deeply experienced with children with challenging backgrounds, created the program as an innovative and effective way to rise to the task.
But some advocates and organizations serving refugees and immigrants have raised concerns about how much NCC Young Adults is really achieving. The most pointed concern is whether the students are being well served by attending class together in the Fanning Building rather than going to what would be their home high schools.
I see a clear case of segregation. So far, the school system β which also runs two other, more established New Citizens Center programs for younger students, both located in city schools β has not allowed students in the Young Adult program to attend regular high schools.
The issue is age, students being much older than or year-old freshmen. We urge the school system to weigh requests to learn in school settings case-by-case. To enhance experiences all around, the program should also find ways to make more connections with the schools and community.
