A digest of Baltimore news from local sources.
From The Baltimore Sun: State Panel Looking at Ways to Improve Education of Immigrant Children
"Confronting a decade-long increase in the number of immigrants in Maryland schools, a state task force is looking at how to improve the education of these students.
"The task force, convened by the interim state school superintendent in May, is weighing several options, including expanding teacher training and creating a central repository of resources for teachers. State officials are also working with seven other states to come up with less punitive ways to hold schools accountable for achievement of newly arrived students.
"Over the past decade, the number of English language learners in Maryland public schools has doubled to about 65,300. By 2014, one in every 10 students in elementary school was a first- or second-generation immigrant.
"The dramatic spike forced officials to consider that nearly all public school teachers at some point will encounter at least one of these students in their classrooms, said Susan Spinnato, the state director of instructional programs. Many teachers and schools are ill prepared, state officials acknowledge."
From The Baltimore Sun: Baltimore County Police Chief Expresses Concern Over Use of Force in Viral Arrest Video
"Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson said he was concerned about the way an officer repeatedly struck a young man whose arrest in downtown Towson early Saturday was captured on a video that went viral on the Internet.
"In a statement released by the department Sunday, Johnson said it appeared that one of his officers followed proper protocol in escalating his use of force, but he "is concerned about the officer's use of a closed fist to strike the suspect several times."
"Johnson said he would continue to scrutinize the video to review the use of force, but has drawn preliminary conclusions about the arrest.
"'His initial reaction is that other techniques for achieving restraint and compliance could have been more effective at that moment in the altercation,' the department said in the release."
WBAL TV: Teen Stabbed at Renaissance Academy Dies
"A 17-year-old who was stabbed by a schoolmate last month in a classroom at Renaissance Academy has died, city police said.
"AnaniasJolley died at Shock Trauma just a few days less than a month after the stabbing. Police said he was stabbed multiple times in the chest and arms.
"Donte Crawford, 17, of the 800 block of Vine Street, was arrested and charged as an adult, with attempted murder in connection with this incident, which took place on Nov. 24.
"Police said investigators are working with the State's Attorney's Office to file additional charges against the suspect who is already in custody. Police said Crawford and Jolley and physical and verbal altercations before the stabbing and investigators believe Crawford planned the attack."