Schools Chancellor Joel Klein revealed yesterday that English Language Learners (ELL) in New York City public schools have made great strides in attaining proficiency.

According to a report, more students were able to learn English well enough to meet the standards of proficiency this year than in 2003, when the first educational reform was carried out. More than 13 percent of English-language students succeeded in achieving their objective in 2008, compared to the four percent who could claim such success in 2003.

Twenty-nine percent of fourth grade students succeeded in exceeding the minimum standard proficiency score in the English Language Arts (ELA) examination in 2008, compared to four percent in 2003.

"This is another example that shows our teachers are working hard to make sure the education reforms benefit the children," said Chancellor Klein.

Some Mexican parents agree with these results and indicate that their children are rapidly learning the language. "The children are very intelligent. We do not speak with them in English, but they have done well in their examinations," said Pedro Salas, a Mexican immigrant who recognizes that his children's education is an important subject, which is why he has always made sure they have access to after-school support programs.

"My savings go to their education. I think they are okay, because we've brought them where they can continue to learn English after school," said the father, who stresses that children's education depends greatly on the parents, and that the rest of the work is up to the institutions.