Newcomer Program

Newcomer programs are an innovative new program concept which addresses the specific needs of recent immigrant students within the educational system. Newcomer programs help the growing limited-English-proficient (LEP) population in American classrooms by helping them learn English and other core academic skills to assimilate into the U.S. school system.

The goal of these programs is to eliminate challenges of language limitations, less than age-appropriate education, and lack of familiarity with the U.S. school system. Many of these issues, if not addressed, can cause an unnecessary level of personal trauma and low self-esteem. Common programs which are part of the newcomer program include "programs featuring orientation to school and society, specialized curriculum, access to support services, individualized attention, specialized teacher training, and multicultural education." Many states have instituted new comer programs including New York, California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.