English Language Learners

ADC works with a diverse group of civil rights organizations and allies in Congress to help to secure protections for English language learners and minority communities. The Every Student Succeeds Act must be enforced in its entirety to truly defend the right of all children to a high quality education. ADC worked tirelessly with Congressional members and education stakeholders in 2015 for inclusion of English Language Learners in Title I accountability in reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – Every Student Succeeds Act.

ADC continues to work on implementation and ensuring participation in the regulatory process with the U.S. Department of Education, and has submitted both written and oral testimony on regulation implementation.

Oversight is necessary for accountability and reporting is necessary for adequate intervention. We must know where our students needs help to allocate resources appropriately, including students progress on English language proficiency. There must be mechanism to curb misuse of discipline, and meaningful engagement and input from parents at all levels of school planning. Language access as a right of parents is essential. All education related documents are must be provided to parents in a language they understand, and parents must be inconspicuously notified of this right. All vital education documents and student assessments must be readily accessible in Arabic.

Resources

U.S. Department of Education website on protections and rights of English Second Language Students

U.S. Department of Education to file a discrimination complaint

U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education Joint Guidance to Ensure English Learner Students Have Equal Access to a High-Quality Education

U.S. Department of Justice Fact Sheet on the Rights of All Children to Enroll in School

Crestwood School District Settlement Decree

Here is a link to the Lau v. Nichols Modified Consent Decree in Arabic and English

Media & Press

Is ESEA a Civil Rights Bill? Not without Accountability and Resource Equity

More Than 50 Civil Rights Groups and Education Advocates Call for “Robust and Meaningful” Federal Oversight of ESSA Implementation

ADC urges Department of Education to support disadvantaged Arab communities

Past Action Alerts