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Meyer vs. Nebraska
A teacher was arrested for teaching a student reading by instructing him in German. This gave states the right to decide what language their teachers will teach instruction in. -
Farmington vs. Tokushige
Hawaii legislators tried to place limitations on the amount of language instruction within the classroom. They put strict limits on the amount of time, resources and curriculum that students were receiving in their native languages. This case emphasized that language should not be limited in the classroom. Schools are better able to support English Language Learners with more language instruction in the classroom. -
Brown v. Board of Education
A court case that ended the segregation of races in public schools. All students are entitled to an equal education. In schools, English language learners cannot be separated from other students. Schools need to provide all students with the same educational supports and opportunities. This inclusion of English learners diversified schools and classrooms. -
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Federal funds are provided to schools to enhance the education of their students. Schools that taught economically disadvantaged students were receiving more money for additional support for those students. With the additional money, schools were able to provide additional resources and support for low-income students. Teachers were better able to support and teach their English language learners in the classroom. This act intended to provide all students with a fair and equal education. -
Title VII: Bilingual Education Act
Federal funding that supports bilingual education programs. Inclusion for "children who come from environments where the dominant language is other than English". This act highlighted successful programs for English language learners that integrated and made use of the student's home language. Schools were introducing new bilingual education programs and giving English language learners more exposure to their home language in schools. -
Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA)
All students are entitled to the same educational opportunities. Students should not be evaluated based on race, gender, or national origin. Schools must recognize all students and provide those students with the supports and opportunities to be successful. Schools must find ways to overcome the learning obstacles of their students in order to ensure they are receiving equal opportunities. English language learners are looked at as equal in comparison with their non-English learning peers. -
Lau v. Nichols
A court case based out of California where they found that there was a lack of language instruction in public schools. Students were not being provided with appropriate language instruction, therefore, those students were not able to be successful. Due to this case, English language learners were provided with English language supports not only through language instruction but also course content. -
Castaneda v. Pickard
A father believed that his daughters were not in a valid bilingual education program. This court case defines criteria for successful and valid English language learner programs. Programs must follow a three-pronged test to determine if the program is a successful approach to teaching English Language Learners. English language learners have more access to successful and valid programs. Learners of the English language are exposed to more resources to help them learn the English language. -
Plyer v. Doe
This court case involved a school district in Texas that was excluding undocumented children from receiving an education. This was found to be unconstitutional. After this case, all students, no matter their documentation status, were allowed to receive a public education. A student who is an undocumented immigrant still has the right to learn. https://prezi.com/3kuq30qyghsw/plyler-v-doe/ -
Gomez v. Illinois State Board of Education
Students were being deprived of a quality English language learning program. English language learners were not being identified and placed in the appropriate programs which violated their rights to a quality education. The Castaneda tests were used to screen adequate programs for English language learners. English language instruction and programs were becoming more consistent and fair for all students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK-2fpobFq4 -
CA Proposition 227 "English in Public Schools Initiative"
California public schools basically eliminated bilingual classes and bilingual education. Schools began teaching students in specialized classes in English. California schools encouraged English language learners to be in a specialized program for one or two years then educated into a mainstream classroom. English language learners were not receiving the support they should receive. The emphasis on and quality of English language programs were diminishing. -
Flores vs. Arizona
Parents in Arizona believed that their students were not receiving adequate English language supports. These programs were questioned of the quality based on the three-pronged test from the Castaneda v. Pickard case. Families are aware of the educational rights of their students and are ensuring that their students receive an equal education. This case relates to AZ Proposition 203 which instructed English language learning students in English. -
AZ Proposition 203
In Arizona, all instruction was to be delivered in English. People in Arizona felt that the national language of the United States was English so everyone should learn the English language. English language learners received a very short period of language instruction. Native languages were discouraged because people believed that everyone should learn and know the English language. Students had difficulty understanding because they did not yet know or speak the language. -
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
No Child Left Behind was the act put into place by George W. Bush. He wanted to improve public school education for all students. Teachers and students were held more accountable for their progress and success. No Child Left Behind uses the term limited English proficient(LEP) rather than the word bilingual. Now, states have a more consistent approach to identifying English learners and their level of learning needs. Schools must follow standards and assessments for English learners. -
Title III: Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students
Title III does "not make distinctions between bilingual and nonbilingual programs". Each state must determine what programs they allow for their English language learners. In Title III, language programs must teach English and also teach academic content. Title III provides the funds to ensure that students learn English and progress academically. Title III helps to support our English Language Learners and give their programs proper funding to be successful. -
MA Question 2
All public school students are receiving English language instruction. Students will be taught all of the academic/core content areas in the English language. Immersing the students in language can hopefully build and strengthen the vocabulary of English language learners.
English language learners are placed in classrooms where all core/academic content is taught in English. -
ESEA Flexibility: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
States can propose an alternative evaluation method for accountability. Teachers and students are held accountable and evaluated based on test scores. Teachers and students can show other ways of progress and success in other ways. -
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
States and school districts have more of an opportunity to control their educational programs. Schools are accountable for funding. States set the standards and policies to show if their students are successful. English language learners must take tests to show their progress and performance. Students are provided with resources and high-quality programs to ensure their needs are met. There is a high emphasis on English learners becoming proficient in the English language and content area.
