Laws and policies play a huge role in the education system at the federal, state, and local levels.  These laws come straight from the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice. Further, there are some laws that are specific to English Learners.  Take a look at some of these laws and how they affect English Learners.

Services for the Educationally Disadvantaged

Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) sets aside funds to boost the achievement of students in high-poverty schools.  More often than not, these children are English Learners or immigrant children.

Assistance for Homeless Students

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act sets parameters for the educational rights and support for homeless children.  The Act guarantees the right to access free public education. School districts are required to appoint a local liaison to make sure that homeless children are identified, that said homeless children register and enroll in school immediately, and to make sure that they receive referrals to dental, health, and mental services.

English Acquisition

In order to ensure English acquisition states are required to set aside as much as 15 percent of their Title III funds to create sub-grants to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that have seen an influx and increase in the number of immigrant students.  Funds from the sub-grants can be used for activities such as providing tutoring, classroom and book supplies, and other community programs.

Support for Migrants

Funds from the Migrant Education Programs (MEP) come from Title I, Part C of the ESEA.  These programs provide supportive and educational programs to migrant children – that is children of migratory agricultural workers.

Laws and Policies in Action

Organizations such as the Latino Literacy Project help school districts, parents, and teachers navigate the educational system, as well as its’ laws and policies.  The Project offers webinars and seminars that strive to teach all people involved in the education of English Learners on how to help these children succeed in school and beyond.