Lau v. Nichols was a class-action lawsuit that led to the eventual implementation of English immersion as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. For this week's discussion, please respond to the following according to your focus in K-12 or Higher Education.
K-12: Consider the nine purposes outlined in the English Language Acquisition Act and discuss how K-12 school divisions can ensure that learners who are non-native English speakers are receiving the support as outlined in the act. Support your response with information from our text, Today's Guide to Educational Policy: Pandemics, Disasters, Nationalism, Religion, and Global Politics https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=2657294&site=ehost-live&scope=site%C2%A0, and additional resources as appropriate.
Higher Education: In Higher Education, institutions can require that students pass a test, known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, to ensure English proficiency. What barriers might the use of TOEFL create for students? What might be some valid reasons that Higher Education institutions should use this test to ensure English language proficiency?
The eventual implementation of English immersion
Thoughts on the Lau v. Nichols case and the English Language Acquisition Act (ELAA):
K-12
The ELAA outlines nine purposes for ensuring that learners who are non-native English speakers (NNES) are receiving the support they need to succeed in school. These purposes are:
- To ensure that NNES have the opportunity to learn English.
- To ensure that NNES are able to participate effectively in the educational process.
- To ensure that NNES are able to meet the same challenging academic standards as all students.
- To ensure that NNES are able to graduate from high school and succeed in college and careers.
- To ensure that NNES are able to participate fully in civic life.
- To ensure that NNES are able to preserve their native language and culture.
- To ensure that NNES are able to develop bilingualism and biliteracy.
- To ensure that NNES are able to contribute to the economic and social well-being of the United States.
- To ensure that NNES are able to achieve their full potential as individuals and as members of society.
- Providing NNES with access to high-quality instruction in English language acquisition.
- Providing NNES with opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and to interact with native English speakers.
- Providing NNES with academic support, such as tutoring and after-school programs.
- Working with parents and families to ensure that NNES are getting the support they need at home.
- The cost of the test can be a barrier for some students.
- The test can be stressful for some students.
- The test may not be a good measure of English proficiency for all students.
- The TOEFL is a standardized test, which means that it is a fair and consistent measure of English proficiency.
- The TOEFL is widely accepted by colleges and universities around the world.
- The TOEFL can help to ensure that students have the English language skills they need to succeed in college.