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Teachers often revel in knowing that they are not alone when it comes to teaching their students. They send the children home every night saddled with homework that the kids may or may not quite understand, and the teachers – at least the lucky ones – get help from the moms and dads who sit with their kids to help them “get” the work.

But in Queens, where more than half the students were born in foreign countries, that picture is frequently inaccurate. Too often, students with problems bring home homework they don’t understand, and the parents, who neither speak nor read English, are unable to help.

The scene is typical and has led State Sen. John Sabini (D-Jackson Heights), educators and students to call for the passage of legislation that could help working New Yorkers give their kids a hand and also give themselves an accelerated path to financial success and the American Dream.

The Economic Support for Education in English as a Second Language Act, sponsored by Sabini, sets aside $1 million from the State budget for paying 75 percent of a student’s English language school tuition.

As record immigration rates continue to expand the population in many parts of New York, studies suggest that a significant majority of that population – about eight out of every 10 people whose first language is not English – have only basic or less than basic English skills. This lack of English proficiency prevents new Americans from achieving job opportunities that could improve their quality of life, and also from participating in the communities in which they live. Additionally, as some companies find it easier to relocate to any other state to find a qualified workforce, New York loses its economic competitiveness when large amounts of workers are unable to communicate in English.

“Getting a good job, participating in civic life and achieving the American Dream are all immediately made easier with a good grasp of the English language,” said Sabini, a member of the Education Committee, which is currently deliberating whether the act will pass. “By helping working New Yorkers learn how to read, write and speak English better, we are not only helping them have a better life but we’re also giving New York a competitive workforce to rival any other state.”

Statistics show that New York’s educational system has failed to keep pace with the needs and demands for English as a Second Language courses. According to the Center for an Urban Future, even though New York’s foreign-born population has grown by nearly 1.3 million since 1990, adult ESL programs administered through the State Education Department added only 15,000 new seats during that same period. The legislation, if passed, will affect nearly 2 million New Yorkers and potentially increase participation in ESL programs.

As of 2005, it is estimated that about 1.75 million New Yorkers are considered to have limited English proficiency; only about 5 percent of them were able to enroll in current state or federally funded ESL programs, largely because of a lack of capacity at these public learning centers.

For the seats that are open, the lottery systems used in New York City and by struggling non-profit organizations do not guarantee students a spot in a class, even if they are willing to pay. Waiting lists typically span months and sometimes years. Classes are often held in multipurpose spaces, like libraries and community centers, at available times, with little accommodation made for ideal learning conditions.

In sharp contrast, New York’s accredited private academies have the capacity, resources and capability to provide a first-rate educational experience at flexible and convenient times for those needing ESL classes. The bill plans to tap into this resource by way of state funding.

“This program is a small, short-term investment that will result in priceless long-term returns,” Sabini said. “The higher tax revenues from a better educated workforce alone would make the program pay for itself. It is a practical, common-sense solution for our working New Yorkers that benefits the entire State.”

To qualify for the statewide grant, for which $1 million would be appropriated in the State budget, a student must be over 18 and earn less than $30,000 a year. The student must pay 25 percent of the tuition at a private English academy accredited by the State Education Department. The remaining 75 percent would be paid directly to schools by the State Department of Economic Development, which would control the fund.

The Economic Support for Education in ESL Act is supported by a number of private language schools, including Zoni Language Centers, American Language Center, and New York Language Center.

“Learning English is one of the most beneficial steps immigrants can take to build their future when they arrive at this country and this bill helps to make that happen,” said Zoilo Nieto, President of Zoni Language Centers.

Ana Vera, a native Spanish speaker who is learning English at Zoni, endorses the Act as a way for her peers to have a better life in America.

“Going to a school to learn English is an opportunity that many immigrants don’t have,” Vera said. “This program can improve the lives of many New Yorkers by making English classes more affordable.”