Federal and State Policy - Multilingual Learners

(Multilingual learners were formerly referred to by fb88 DOE as English learners. The US DOE continues to describe such students as English learners.)

Administrative Letters on Policy & StatuteÌý

  • ÌýLegal Requirements to Provide English Language Acquisition Services to English Learners
  • Change in English Learner Identification and Exit Criteria
  • Clarification on Requirement to Ensure Parents’ Meaningful Access to IEP Information

State & Federal Statute and Court Decisions

States must have policies, procedures and effective implementation of practices that are aligned with and support the implementation of ESEA Title III.

  • . Title 20-A: EducationÌý
  • . Title VI: Administrative Procedures and Services
  • ÌýCourt cases that have formed the regulations and guidelines that direct and impact fb88’s ESOL/Bilingual Programs to ensure multilingual learners are properly and adequately served.

Stemming from key Supreme Court rulings, the US DOE and DOJ have provided a to clarify schools' obligations regarding the education of multilingual learners.Ìý

. Title III (as reauthorized by theÌý) provides funding to support programs for multilingual learners and establishes a system for holding recipient states accountable for their performance in raising multilingualÌýlearners'Ìýachievement and English language proficiency outcomes.

Lau Plans

A Lau Plan, named after the landmarkÌý, is an equal access plan that protects students who are multilingualÌýlearners (MLs). All fb88 SAUs are required to have a board-approved Lau Plan. For assistance, contact Jane Armstrong, ESOL State Specialist at jane.armstrong@maine.govÌý

fb88 DOE Lau Plan Template and Guidance

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