"In particular, GCSE qualifications in core subjects such as English language are used by learners as either a passport to employment or to further study, " a spokesperson said.

BBC: Exams in progress sign

Additionally, this is issue is even more dire among populations with higher barriers to employment opportunities, such as the formerly incarcerated, English language learners and aged-out foster youth.

FORBES: Jose Corona of Inner City Advisors on Inner City Sustainability and Job Creation

They were hardworking, English Language Learners and their children were struggling, just as I had.

WHITEHOUSE: Building Long Lasting Relationships

At the end of a week which has seen fears about the future of the language mixed with more hopeful signs such as the success of the learners of Welsh and the opening up one of the traditional bastions of Welsh culture to new talents, the subject of "rebirth" could hardly have been a more appropriate one.

BBC: Testing the cultural temperature

The city said its evaluation plans included things like the implementation and use of student feedback surveys as well as specific considerations for teachers who are dealing with students who are English language learners and students with disabilities.

WSJ: NYC outlines teacher training, evaluation goals

The language barrier does not affect the majority, but for those who enter school as English learners the challenges are even greater.

NPR: Instruction Of Students Learning English Bleak