The English Language Learner KnowledgeBase for Parents

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The English Language Learner (ELL) KnowledgeBase for Parents is an online resource parent advocates can use to help parents understand the ELL student program available at their child's school. It offers resources related to parent rights under federal education laws and how parents can be involved in their child's education.

Task 1: Learn about parents' rights

guideline: the office for civil rights (ocr) enforces several federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the department of education (ed). under title vi of the 1964 civil rights act, districts are required to take steps to help english language learner (ell) students overcome language barriers and to ensure they can participate meaningfully in educational programs. district administrators are responsible for ensuring parents of ell students are aware of their rights under the civil rights act and ocr guidelines. parents of ell students should direct questions about these rights to either their children's teachers or the school principal.

resources

Checklists

Parent Notification and Involvement Information

This document summarizes the parent notification requirements under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as modified by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Legal

Ensuring Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools, Regardless of Immigration Status

This resource provides links to the U.S. Department of Education website with updated guidance to assist public elementary and secondary schools to ensure enrollment processes are consistent with federal law and fulfill their obligation to provide all children with equal access to an education.

How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights

This resource explains how to file a discrimination complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR enforces five federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, nationÂal origin, sex, disability, and age in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

Information for Parents' Rights

Information is designed to assist local educational agencies, schools, and parents in meeting the requirements of parental involvement provisions required under Title I, Part A.

Questions and Answers on the Rights of Limited-English Proficient Students

This resource provides a series of questions and answers on the rights of limited English proficient students from the Office for Civil Rights.

Supplemental Educational Services Regulations

A school identified as "in need of improvement" is to provide supplemental educational services to students of eligible low income families. This document explains the requirement to offer supplemental services.

References

Equal Educational Opportunity to Limited-English Proficient Students OCR Pamphlet

This pamphlet, prepared by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, provides a summary of the legal basis for providing equal educational opportunity to students with limited English proficiency. It is a useful tool for explaining the legal requirements to parents, board of education members, district and building level staff, and community leaders. The pamphlet is available in English and Spanish versions.

Alternate Formats: Spanish Downloadable PDFs: English and Spanish

The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and are intended for general reference purposes only. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education or the Center, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Some resources on this site require Adobe Acrobat Reader. This website archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.