Language Policy and Legislation Flashcards

Which landmark 1974 Supreme Court case established that schools must provide language assistance to students with limited English proficiency?

Answer: Lau v. Nichols

Lau v. Nichols (1974) ruled that identical education does not constitute equal treatment when students cannot understand English instruction.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), English Learners must be assessed for English proficiency on a schedule of at least:

Answer: Annually

ESSA requires annual English language proficiency assessments for all identified ELs to monitor their progress.

The Castañeda v. Pickard (1981) case established a three-part test for evaluating bilingual education programs. Which is NOT one of the three criteria?

Answer: Programs must be funded at twice the rate of general education

The Castañeda three-part test covers: sound theory, effective implementation, and demonstrated results — not a funding ratio requirement.

Which federal law requires states to establish English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards aligned with academic content standards?

Answer: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

ESSA (2015) mandates that states develop ELP standards that reflect the academic language demands of content area standards.

The original Bilingual Education Act of 1968 (Title VII of ESEA) primarily targeted which population?

Answer: Low-income students with limited English proficiency

The 1968 Bilingual Education Act was initially focused on economically disadvantaged students with limited English, reflecting its Great Society origins.

Which federal office is primarily responsible for enforcing civil rights protections for English Learners in public schools?

Answer: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights enforces Title VI protections ensuring ELs receive appropriate language services.