CLAD Language Policy and Legal Frameworks

Question 1

Which landmark 1974 Supreme Court case established that providing identical English-only instruction to non-English-speaking students does not constitute equal education?

Accepted Answer

Lau v. Nichols

Answer

Lau v. Nichols (1974) ruled that identical treatment does not produce equal educational opportunity when students cannot understand the language of instruction.

Question 2

The Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) of 1974 requires school districts to take 'appropriate action' to:

Accepted Answer

Overcome language barriers that impede ELL students' equal participation in educational programs

Answer

The EEOA mandates that schools take affirmative, appropriate steps to remove language barriers that prevent ELL students from meaningfully participating in educational programs.

Question 3

The three-part test established in Castañeda v. Pickard (1981) requires that ELL programs be:

Accepted Answer

Based on sound educational theory, effectively implemented, and producing measurable results

Answer

The Castañeda test evaluates ELL programs across three dimensions: pedagogical soundness, effective implementation with adequate resources, and demonstrated results over time.

Question 4

Plyer v. Doe (1982) is important for ELL policy because the Supreme Court ruled that:

Accepted Answer

Undocumented immigrant children have a constitutional right to a free public education

Answer

In Plyer v. Doe, the Supreme Court held that withholding public education from undocumented children violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Question 5

Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) held school districts primarily accountable for:

Accepted Answer

The English language proficiency gains and academic achievement of ELL students

Answer

Title III funded language instruction educational programs and established Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs) requiring districts to demonstrate ELL progress in English proficiency and academic achievement.

CLAD Practice Test

CLAD Practice Test

CLAD Language Policy and Legal Frameworks