Abbreviations and Definitions:

• ESL = English as a Second Language
  The main focus of this program is to teach students the English language. Classes may include students of different languages, all receiving intensive assistance learning English. ESL is usually taught during a specific school period, and students are involved in other mainstream, immersion or bilingual classes during the day.
  

• LEP = Limited English Proficient
  This term is used to describe language-minority students who are not proficient in English.
  

• ELL = English Language Learner
  This term is often used in lieu of Limited English Proficient (LEP) as a way of emphasizing the abilities of language-minority students, rather than emphasizing their limitations.

What is the amount of federal money spent on bilingual  education and migrant education each year?

According to a 2000 report from the Office of bilingual Education and Minority Language Affairs (OBEMLA), $20 million a year is available for federal grants for bilingual education programs. The federal government provides from $150,000 to $200,000 in five-year grants to 100 different programs. Twenty-five percent of the grant money automatically goes to those schools that have the most Limited English Proficient students.

Which states require bilingual education?

A 1997 study from the Institute for Research in English Acquisition and Development (READ) reports that 11 states mandate bilingual education, while only three states (Arkansas, Delaware and Nebraska) forbid it.

How do teachers and/or schools identify students in need of bilingual education or ESL?

The methods used to assess a student’s need for bilingual education usually include at least an oral English-proficiency test. Schools may also rely on home language surveys, teacher judgment and English achievement tests.

How many states require bilingual students to pass an assessment?

Most states allow ELL students exemption from assessments if they have been in the United States or enrolled in bilingual education programs for three years or less. ELL students also are given exemptions based on their English-language-proficiency levels. This will change, however, since federal legislation requires that by the end of the 2000-01 school year, each state must have an assessment system that includes ELLs and ensures their adequate yearly progress. Including these students is aimed at creating stronger accountability for bilingual programs.

What assessment accommodations exist for English Language Learners (ELLs)?

As schools prepare to be more accountable for ELL performance, various options have been put forth for accommodating ELLs, including (1) allowing the test to be explained through a bilingual specialist or translated into a student’s native language; (2) allowing the student to respond in his/her native language; (3) allowing the student to take the test in a location separate from his/her peers; and (4) allowing the student additional time to complete the test or take extra breaks from testing.