Castañeda vs. Pickard Jennifer Nelson EDBI October 28, 2016

Historical Notes Outcomes Impact Who? What? When and Where?When and Where? Court Rulings Influences on ESL/bilingual educationInfluences on ESL/bilingual education Overview

Defendant: Mrs. A.M. “Billy” Pickard, the president of Raymondville Independent School District(RISD) Plaintiff: Mr. Roy Castañeda, the father of two Mexican-American daughters in RISD. Who? overview

Mr. Castañeda claimed that the district was discriminating against his daughters, because of their ethnicity. Classrooms were segregated using a grouping system that grouped students by their “abilities” but in reality placed all Mexican-American children into a group. What? There was no way to evaluate the adequacy of the school’s approach. Which resulted in unfair separation. Violated the Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974(EEOA). overview

This case was tried on August 17, 1978 in the United States District Court for the Southern district of Texas Appealed in 1981 in the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals When and Where? overview

 Initially it was ruled RISD did not violate the Lau vs. Nichols ruling which stated that districts had to have an established bilingual education.  When the case was appealed in 1981 it ruled in favor of ELLs and that Raymondville ISD failed to meet the requirements of the EEOA.  In result of the appeal a three-pronged test, called the Castañeda standard, was created that is able to assess if a school is using “appropriate action" to address the needs of ELLs as required by the EEOA.Castañeda standard Court Rulings overview

The Castañeda standard mandates that programs for language-minority students must be: based on a sound educational theory implemented effectively with sufficient resources and personnel evaluated to determine whether they are effective in helping students overcome language barriers Court Rulings

Influences on ESL/Bilingual Education  The court ruling helped to level the playing field for all ELL’s.  School districts had to make sure that all student’s received the same education no matter their race, ethnicity, or native language.  It set the standard for the courts in examining programs for Limited English Proficient students.  Accountability practices that are inclusive of ELLs gained ground and traction in schools and districts.  A “map” was created for ELL programs. continued

Influences on ESL/Bilingual Education  Educators felt supported and safer knowing they had specific guidelines they could base and evaluate their programs off of.  Teacher, schools and districts are held accountable for best teaching practices which in return enables the students to learn and grow on deeper levels.  ELL students are ensured they have the resources they need to be successful. overview references

Chronology of Federal and State Law & Policy Impacting... (2004, August). Retrieved October, 2016, from of Federal Law Guiding ELL Policy and Practice from TEA.pdf DC CM/ECF LIVE- US District Court-Texas Southern-U.S. District Court. (n.d.). Retrieved October, 2016, from Elizabeth and Katherine CASTANEDA, by their father and next friend, Roy C. Castaneda, et al., Plaintiffs- Appellants, v. Mrs. A. M. "Billy" PICKARD, President, Raymondville Independent School District, Board of Trustees, et al., Defendants-Appellees. (United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. Unit A January 23, 1981). K. (Producer). (2011, April 26). Castaneda v. Pickard.wmv [Video file]. In Castaneda v. Pickard.wmv. Retrieved from Palomo, M., & Medina, J. (2013, February 13). Castañeda v. Pickard. Retrieved October, 2016, from Wright, W. E. (n.d.). Landmark Court Rulings Regarding English Language Learners. Retrieved October, 2016, from language-learners References