Language Differences: English Language Learners By: Eileen Smith Jessica Modula Katie Fitzgerald Tara Downing

ELL Definition English Language Learner (ELL) a person who is in the process of acquiring English and has a first language other than English. aka~ minority students, limited English proficient (LEP), English as a second language (ESL), and culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD).

Why English in America? In 1607 the first British colony was established in Jamestown in Virginia. Others followed, notably the group on board the Mayflower, who settled in Plymouth in Massachusetts in New colonies were being added until there were 13 colonies in all on the east coast of the continent; all speaking English.

Different Cultures… Black slaves were brought in by force to work the plantations in the South Irish moved to America, particularly after the potato famine ( ) The Scots The Germans, Italians and Scandinavians The Jews (from Russia and Central Europe, particularly when they faced persecution) The Hispanics (Spanish-speaking immigrants from Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc. who were escaping bad economic conditions) And what about the Native Americans?…

4 Explanations for English in America: Elimination and marginalization of pre- existing populations: Political and linguistic independence from Britain: Perception of linguistic diversity as an obstacle to political and cultural unity: The establishment of a standard based on the usage of the educated class:

Summation: Before the 19th century, the majority of immigrants to North America were English- speakers. Independence in 1776 Many immigrants came to the USA for opportunity “The Melting Pot” The idea was for immigrants to be assimilated to the dominant culture to give rise to a new resultant culture. Yet, interestingly, American culture and language contain a lot of Anglo-Saxon features.

American Ideals & Reality Individual self- realization Initiative Opportunity Rights Open-endedness Pluralism Democracy Freedom In contrast, differences were conveniently erased and replaced with the goals and ideas of the first, dominant settlers from New England. Ex. Native Americans

Unity English became our country’s traditional language because it was a unifier for our country. 30 states list English as their official language 20 do not list a official language

English Language Learners and the Law Civil Rights Act of 1964 "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.“

English Language Learners and the Law May 25 Memorandum (1970) " Where inability to speak and understand the English language excludes national origin-minority group children from effective participation in the educational program offered by a school district, the district must take affirmative steps to rectify the language deficiency in order to open its instructional program to these students. "School districts must not assign national origin-minority group students to classes for the mentally retarded on the basis of criteria which essentially measure or evaluate English language skills....." ".....nor may school districts deny national origin-minority group children access to college preparatory courses on basis directly related to the failure of the school system to inculcate (teach) English language skills." "School districts have the responsibility to adequately notify origin-minority group parents of school activities which are called to the attention of other parents. Such notice in order to be adequate may have to be provided in a language other than English."

English Language Learners and the Law: Important Cases Lau v. Nichols (1975) Equitable v. Equal-Equality of educational opportunity is not achieved by merely providing all students with "the same facilities, textbooks, teachers, and curriculum; for students who do not understand English are effectively foreclosed from any meaningful education. Castenada v. Pickard (1981) Courts developed a 3-part test to determine if districts were providing an adequate program for English language development: sound educational theory recognized by at least some experts in the field, programs and practices reasonably calculated to implement the theory in an effective manor, and regular evaluation of the program.

English Language Learners and the Law: Important Cases Plyler v.Doe (1982) Public schools are prohibited from denying immigrant students access to a public education. Undocumented children have the same right to a free public education as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Undocumented children are obligated to attend school until they reach the age mandated by state law.

English Language Learners and the Law Department of Education Memorandum (1985) Districts are required to: - Determine need for and English language development program - Program must be based in sound educational theory - Programs calculated to be effectively implemented - Programs evaluated to determine if they yield positive results and modified if not - Is the program provided in a least segregated manner - Programs provide equal access to other special services as needed Department of Education Memorandum Policy Update (1991) Districts are required to: - All non-English background students must be identified - All non-English background students assessed for need of special services - All non-English background students placed in an appropriate program and provided needed service or English language development - Programs modified when not effective

English Language Learners and the Law No Child Left Behind Reauthorization of Title Funding (2002) Federal funds programs for education were revamped and reauthorized. Title III becomes act regarding service to English language learners. Primary new policy and procedures: Parent notification Annual assessment of English language proficiency in a uniform manner Adequate yearly progress required Inclusion of all English language learners in state assessment programs regardless of proficiency level. State standards for ESL instruction required Title III funds distributed to states for sub grants to local education agencies

What are the concerns in the classroom? KnvJ99Q&feature=relatedhttp:// KnvJ99Q&feature=related Tara: I found this video in trying to find something about the different laws and thought it could be helpful to maybe start a discussion about multicultural education in the classroom and understanding the different cultures and languages.

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