English Learner (EL) Education
Federal and state law requires proper identification and annual language proficiency assessment of students whose first language is not English, or who struggle to complete ordinary classroom work in English (G.L. c. 71A; Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act - NCLB). The law also requires that students identified as ELs (also referred to as “students with limited English proficiency,” or “LEP students” in federal laws and guidance, and “English learner” in state law) are provided with opportunities to receive instruction that is appropriate for their individual language proficiency level, allows them to develop English language proficiency, and affords them equal access to rigorous content area instruction and academic achievement alongside their native English speaking peers.