BEA Language Policy and Legislation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Title III of ESSA, states must use Title III funds to help ELs attain which of the following?
- English proficiency and meet the same academic content standards as all students (Correct answer)
- Native language literacy before English instruction begins
- Biliteracy proficiency in two languages by grade 5
- Grade-level performance within one year of enrollment
Correct answer: English proficiency and meet the same academic content standards as all students
Title III funds support ELs in achieving English proficiency and meeting the same rigorous academic standards expected of all students.
Question 2: Which court case affirmed that a state may not bar children of undocumented immigrants from public school enrollment?
- Plyler v. Doe (1982) (Correct answer)
- Lau v. Nichols (1974)
- Flores v. Arizona (2009)
- Keyes v. Denver School District (1983)
Correct answer: Plyler v. Doe (1982)
Plyler v. Doe (1982) held that states cannot deny free public education to undocumented immigrant children under the Equal Protection Clause.
Question 3: Proposition 227 in California (1998) primarily impacted bilingual education by:
- Replacing most bilingual classes with structured English immersion (Correct answer)
- Mandating dual-language programs in all elementary schools
- Requiring native language instruction for the first two years
- Establishing a state bilingual education office
Correct answer: Replacing most bilingual classes with structured English immersion
Proposition 227 ended most bilingual programs in California, replacing them with one-year structured English immersion unless parents requested a waiver.
Question 4: IDEA requires that evaluations for students suspected of having disabilities must be conducted:
- In the student's native language or other mode of communication (Correct answer)
- Exclusively in English to measure true academic potential
- By a certified bilingual special education evaluator only
- Using state-approved English assessment instruments
Correct answer: In the student's native language or other mode of communication
IDEA mandates assessments in the child's native language or mode of communication to ensure accurate identification of disabilities.
Question 5: The 'affirmative steps' requirement under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) of 1974 obligates school districts to:
- Take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation (Correct answer)
- Provide bilingual instruction in every core subject area
- Hire bilingual staff proportional to the EL student population
- Achieve EL reclassification within three years of enrollment
Correct answer: Take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation
The EEOA requires schools to actively address language barriers so all students can meaningfully participate in educational programs.
Question 6: A school district's EL program is considered legally compliant when it meets which standard established in Castañeda v. Pickard?
- The program must show actual results in overcoming language barriers within a reasonable time (Correct answer)
- The program must achieve 100% reclassification within four years
- The program must use only research-based curricula approved by the state
- The program must employ credentialed bilingual teachers in every classroom
Correct answer: The program must show actual results in overcoming language barriers within a reasonable time
The third prong of the Castañeda test requires programs to demonstrate results—if a program fails to work, the district must modify or replace it.
BEA Language Policy and Legislation 2
Under Title III of ESSA, states must use Title III funds to help ELs attain which of the following?