EDG 6305 English Language Learners Legal Guide by Alysha Arguelles https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731 Created by: Alysha Arguelles en-us 2023-07-08 19:39:10 UTC 2025-11-09 02:48:37 UTC hello@padlet.com Slide # 1 Professional Perspective aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2648796468 Hello everyone, my name is Alysha Arguelles, and I plan on becoming a school counselor. The topic I have chosen for my legal guide is English Language Learners. I chose this topic because I am currently an English teacher at Edinburg North High School with expertise in teaching English Language Learners (ELL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) students. In my school district it was required that I receive certification in both English and English as a Second Language to be hired to teach. I have 2 years of experience teaching in the Rio Grande Valley at a school with approximately 25% bilingual students and extensive professional development on the topic.]]> 2023-07-20 22:15:22 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2648796468 Slide #2 Summary of Topic aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2648800216 This topic is of the utmost importance in the field of education due to the increasing diversity of student populations. Educators need to understand the legal rights and protections afforded to ELLs to ensure they are receiving equitable access to quality education. Compliance with federal laws, such as the Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, is essential to address the unique needs of ELL students and promote inclusive learning environments. By adhering to legal guidelines, educators can foster cultural responsiveness and support linguistic development, leading to improved educational outcomes for ELLs. 

An emerging issue related to ELLs is the impact of language access policies and funding on educational equity. Schools are facing challenges in providing adequate resources, qualified staff, and language support services for ELLs. Educators should closely monitor how funding allocation and policy decisions affect access to specialized programs like English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education. Additionally, the interpretation and implementation of laws such as Lau v. Nichols and other similar cases have significant implications on the provision of language services and compliance with federal mandates. Ensuring equitable language support for ELLs is critical to promoting their academic success and full participation in the educational system. ]]> 2023-07-20 22:32:08 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2648800216 Slide # 3 Professional Association aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649308134 The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) offers a comprehensive guide designed specifically to support school counselors in working with English Language Learners (ELLs). The resource provides valuable insights into understanding the unique challenges that EL students are faced with and offers evidence-based strategies and best practices to foster their success and inclusion in the school community. The article emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, collaboration with school staff, community engagement, and the provision of appropriate academic and emotional support. It provides school counselors with practical tools to facilitate the transition and academic achievement of EL students in U.S. public schools.

Bell, H. (2019). Supporting english learners: a guide for school counselors. American School Counselor Association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Newsletters/November-2019/How-School-Counselors-Can-Support-English-Learners?]]> 2023-07-21 18:46:46 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649308134 Slide #4 Current News Article aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649326300
  • The article highlights recently released federal data that indicates that while the four-year graduation rates for English Learners have improved over the past decade, EL students still stay behind their non-English learner peers. 
  • The national English learner graduation rate for the 2019-20 school year reached approximately 71%, while the overall graduation rate was 86%. 
  • The growth in graduation rates may result from improved data collection methods. 
  • The article raises concerns about the lack of graduation rate statistics from Texas, which is a state with a significantly high English learner population. 
  • Suggests that tracking graduation rates beyond four years, especially for late-arrival English Learners could positively impact school accountability, recognizing that graduating on a longer timeline is still an achievement
  •  Long-term English learners, despite being proficient in English, face challenges in demonstrating proficiency on standardized tests and often have limited access to rigorous mainstream academic courses, affecting their chances of higher education and graduation.

    • Najarro, I. (2023). What graduation rates for English learners look like. EducationWeek. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-graduation-rates-for-english-learners-look-like/2023/07
    ]]>     2023-07-21 20:09:36 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649326300     Slide # 5 Current News Article aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649336744
  • The article discusses the impact of the pandemic on English Language Learners (ELLs) and how it affected their learning trajectory. 
  • According to a survey provided, approximately 40% of ELL educators worldwide believe that some students should have been held back due to pandemic-related learning delays. 
  • Pronunciation was identified as a challenge for ELLs in the online learning environment, as they typically learn pronunciation through mimicking mouth movements, which can be difficult online.
  • Some education experts support the idea of holding back ELL students who fell behind during the pandemic, but this approach faced pushback from parents. 
  • Brittney Davis, a Ph.D. candidate, argues that retaining students may not be effective without proper support, and suggests that accelerated learning, such as extending the school day and providing tutoring, might be more beneficial for ELLs.

    • De La Rosa, S. (2021). Almost 40% of educators said some ELLs should have repeated grades after pandemic. EducationDive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/almost-40-of-educators-said-some-ells-should-have-repeated-grades-after-pa/611059/
    ]]>     2023-07-21 21:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649336744     Slide # 6 Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649340919
  • Law Type: Constitutional 
  • Citation: U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § I.
  • Link: · https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/amendments-11-27 
  • The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides all citizens of the U.S. with equal protection under the law. 
  • Applies to educational settings and ensures that all students, including ELL students receive an education. 
  • Constitutional basis for prohibiting discrimination against diverse students.


    • ]]>     2023-07-21 21:34:17 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649340919     Slide # 7 Lau v. Nichols (1974) aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649341714
  • Law Type: Judicial 
  • Citation: Lau v. Nichols, 94 S. Ct. 786 (1974). 
  • Supreme Court case that addressed the rights of ELL students to receive language instruction.
  • The case involved Chinese-speaking students from San Francisco who were not provided with English language support. 
  • Court ruled that schools must provide students with steps/assistance to overcome language barriers faced by ELL students so that they can effectively participate in educational programs.
    • ]]>     2023-07-21 21:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649341714     Slide # 8 Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649344574
  • Law Type: Statutory 
  • Citation: Equal Educational Opportunities Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1701-1758 (1974)·      
  • The Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) is a federal law that addresses equal educational rights and opportunities for students.  
  • Enacted to ensure that all students, including but not limited to ELL students, have access to a quality education without discrimination.
  • It is relevant to English Language Learners because it prohibits discrimination against students based on their English proficiency or language background. 

    • ]]>     2023-07-21 21:57:59 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649344574     Slide # 9 Individuals with Disabilities Act aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649345758
  • Law Type: Administrative 
  • Citation: Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 U.S.C.A. § 1414
  • Law that provides the framework for the education of students with disabilities, including ELL students
  • Requires schools to provide appropriate educational services to ELL students who may require special education services due to language proficiency.
    • ]]>     2023-07-21 22:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649345758     Slide # 10 Edinburg North High School Handbook: English Learners aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649346780
  • Law Type: Local Administrative 
  • Citation: Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District. (2022) Secondary Student Parent Handbook. Edinburg, Tx. https://4.files.edl.io/d9b2/10/11/22/215319-80de494d-eb4b-4986-a1a1-c2f01bc69b52.pdf
  • Regarding English Learners, the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District states that a student that is an English Learner is entitled to receive specialized services from the district. A Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) will determine if students qualify for services from a variety of assessments. The committee will then designate accommodations or additional special programs that the student will require to become proficient at grade level work in English. The LPAC committee will also provide certain accommodations for any state-mandated assessments. 

    • ]]>     2023-07-21 22:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649346780     Slide # 11 Ethical Principle aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649349976
  • Ethical Code Item: Standard 3.4 Texas Educators Code of Ethics 
  • Citation: Texas Administrative Code, (Title 19, Part 7, §247.2)
  • Standard 3.4 of the Texas Educators Code of Ethics states that educators shall not exclude students from participation in a program, deny benefits, or grant advantages to students based on various factors, including natural origin. The connection to the topic of English Language Learners (ELLS) is evident, as Standard 3.4 ensures that educators treat ELLs fairly and equitably, without discrimination based on their language background or cultural heritage. It emphasizes the importance of providing ELLs with equal access to educational opportunities and support, promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all students.

    • ]]>     2023-07-21 22:39:34 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649349976     Slide # 12 Non-Law Source aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649356265 This article explores various approaches and strategies for preparing educators to effectively work with English Language Learners (ELLs) and students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). Additionally, the article shares practical and hands-on activities for teachers at all levels, emphasizing bilingual learning to improve ELLs' development and self-esteem. The article is a valuable resource that offers insight into modifying instructional methods to meet ELLs' specific learning needs, making it a valuable source of information for educators aiming to enhance their practice when working with ELLs.

    Gupta, A. (2019). Principles and Practices of Teaching English Language Learners. International Education Studies, 12(7), 49–57. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1220844.pdf

    ]]>     2023-07-21 23:23:19 UTC https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649356265     Slide # 13 Recommendations/Best Practices for Compliance aarguelles12 https://padlet.com/aarguelles12/vbu9bja99kjus731/wish/2649389052 Below are my recommendations for Best Practice for Legal Compliance: 

    • Foster an inclusive learning environment: Embrace and celebrate cultural diversity to create a welcoming space for English Language Learners (ELLs). 
    • Provide Differentiated Instruction: Utilize scaffolded approaches, visuals, and hands-on activities to enhance comprehension and engagement for ELLs.
    • Encourage Bilingual Learning: Support ELL's native language development alongside English proficiency to enhance cognitive and growth and self-esteem.
    • Develop Cultural Competence: Educate teachers on cultural competency to understand and appreciate diverse backgrounds and learning experiences of ELLs.
    • Collaborate with Families and Communities: Engage ELL families in the educational process by providing information in their native language and involving them in school activities. School counselors and other school professionals can partner with community organizations to access additional resources and support for ELLs and their families. 
    • Utilize language support services: Offer English Language Development (ELD) classes and other language support services to help ELLs acquire English proficiency. Utilize technology-based language learning tools to reinforce language skills. 
    • Monitor progress and assess appropriately: Regularly assess ELLs language proficiency and academic progress using appropriate tools and assessments.
    • Professional development for educators: Provide ongoing professional development for teachers to stay updated on best practices and strategies for ELL instruction. 


    By implementing these recommendations, educators can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for English Language Learners.
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