The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Justice (DOJ) released joint guidance on January 7, 2015, reminding states, school districts and schools of their obligations under federal law to ensure that English Learners have equal access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential. In this context, the…

Within the US Department of Education's new flexibility initiative, there are three key and fundamental areas of focus, each referred to as a "principle." The second of these is that State Education Agencies (SEAs) must develop and implement differentiated recognition, accountability, and support to assure that all students are taught by…

Within the US Department of Education's new flexibility initiative, there are three key principles, each with areas of focus. The third of these is that State Education Agencies (SEAs) must develop and implement systems of determining and supporting effective instruction and leadership within schools. This brief looks at websites, documents, and…

Within the US Department of Education's new flexibility initiative, there are three key and fundamental areas of interest, each referred to as a "principle." The first of these is that State Education Agencies (SEAs) must adopt and implement college- and career-ready (CCR) standards for all students. This brief provides information on…

Estimates of school-aged English learners are derived from national counts of children enrolled in school. There is no precise analogue for preschool children, and hence there is no exact nationwide count of this population of children. The number of 3- and 4-year old children enrolled in center-based care is rising, and some center-based programs…

This monograph showcases professional development projects by school districts and colleges of education that train teachers to work successfully with English learners (ELs) across the nation. The papers presented in this monograph offer real-life examples of successful and innovative practices, including institutionalized mentoring programs, new…

In the Fall of 2007, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) established the following strategic priority: Develop policy and program recommendations to improve the professional development of English language learner…

A major challenge facing the prekindergarten-12 education system in the United States is the fact that as the population changes, the particular needs of children change with it. One of the largest demographic shifts over the last ten years is the sharp increase in the number of students in public schools who speak English as their second language…