| Policy |
In accordance with the Board's commitment to provide an equal educational opportunity to all students, the District shall provide an appropriate planned instructional program for identified students whose dominant language is not English. The purpose of the program is to take appropriate action to overcome language barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs. Students who have limited English proficiency (LEP) will be identified, assessed and provided appropriate services to enable them to become proficient in English.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall implement and supervise an LEP program that ensures appropriate LEP instruction and complies with federal and state laws and regulations.
The Superintendent or his/her designee, in conjunction with appropriate stakeholders, shall develop and disseminate written procedures regarding the LEP program, including:
1. Program goals
2. Student identification, eligibility and enrollment procedures
3. Assessment procedures for program entrance, measurement of progress and program exit
4. Classroom accommodations
5. Grading policies
6. List of resources, including support agencies and interpreters
Students participating in LEP programs shall be required, with accommodations, to meet established academic standards and graduation requirements adopted by the Board.
As required by state and federal law or regulations, the District shall:
At the beginning of the year, notify parents of students qualifying for LEP programs regarding the instructional program and parental options; apprise parents of their student's progress; communicate with parents in the language understood by the parents; maintain an effective means of outreach to encourage parental involvement in the education of their children; evaluate the LEP program for effectiveness based on the attainment of English proficiency, and revise the program when necessary.
Legal references: Connecticut General Statutes and Regulations
10-14q Exemptions to mastery examinations
10-17 English language to be medium of instruction. Exception.
10-17a to 10-17j Establishment of bilingual and bicultural program
10a-10a Alternate route to certification for bilingual education teachers
10-76ff Eligibility for special education
10-220a(a)(8) Second language acquisition
10-145h Requirements for certification as bilingual teacher
10-17h-1 to 10-17-h-5 Programs of bilingual education
Federal Law
20 U.S.C.A. § 1415(5) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
20 U.S.C.A. § 1703 et seq Equal Educational Opportunities Act
20 U.S.C.A. § 6301 et seq, No Child Left Behind
40 U.S.C.A. 2000d et seq, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
20 U.S.C. Sections 7401 et seq. Bilingual Education Act |