English Language Learners

Several NCLB provisions seek to strengthen instruction and accountability for English Language Learners (ELLs). Schools and districts are required to make adequate yearly progress for ELLs as a subgroup. The Act includes a grant program (under Title III) to help school districts provide high-quality language instruction programs for ELLs. That grant program also requires districts to provide professional development to teachers, principals, administrators, and community-based personnel in order to improve the instruction and assessment of ELLs. Title III requires that each state establish English language proficiency standards, define annual measurable achievement objectives (AMAOs) for increasing students level of English proficiency, and hold districts accountable for meeting them.

Guidance, Regulations, Legislation, and Announcements

Guidance

Preliminarily Guidance, TITLE III, Part A, STATE FORMULA GRANT PROGRAM
For specific information on English Language Learners, refer to pages A1-A3.

Legislation

Final Legislation, Public Law print of PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; Title III, Part A, Sec. 3102-English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act

Announcements

Secretary Paige Announces New Policies to Help English Language Learners (February 2004)

Other Resources

Useful Links

National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition
The National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition & Language Instruction Educational Programs (NCELA) collects, analyzes, synthesizes and disseminates information about language instruction educational programs for English language learners. Their Web site features current information regarding federal policies and major events, as well as databases, research, and additional links for a variety of users. NCELA is funded by USDE through the Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement & Academic Achievement for LEP Students (OELA).

OELA Title III Toolkit
This toolkit lists the resources from the U.S. Department of Education that support educators (teachers, LEAs, and SEAs) in implementeming Title III of NCLB. It provides legal, implementation, and other ELL-related resources.

Office of English Language Acquisition
The Web site for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) provides information for administering Title III of No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and promoting high quality education for English language learners (ELLs). It is also the umbrella site for National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and the OELA Title III Toolkit.

Events

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