The eventual implementation of English immersion

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?

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:
  1. To ensure that NNES have the opportunity to learn English.
  2. To ensure that NNES are able to participate effectively in the educational process.
  3. To ensure that NNES are able to meet the same challenging academic standards as all students.
  4. To ensure that NNES are able to graduate from high school and succeed in college and careers.
  5. To ensure that NNES are able to participate fully in civic life.
  6. To ensure that NNES are able to preserve their native language and culture.
  7. To ensure that NNES are able to develop bilingualism and biliteracy.
  8. To ensure that NNES are able to contribute to the economic and social well-being of the United States.
  9. To ensure that NNES are able to achieve their full potential as individuals and as members of society.
There are a number of ways that K-12 school divisions can ensure that NNES are receiving the support as outlined in the ELAA. These include:
  • 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 ELAA also requires that school divisions assess the English proficiency of NNES and develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for those who need additional support. This ensures that NNES are receiving the help they need to succeed in school. 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. The TOEFL is a standardized test that measures the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand English. There are a number of barriers that the use of TOEFL can create for students. These include:
  • 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.
However, there are also some valid reasons that higher education institutions should use the TOEFL to ensure English language proficiency. These reasons include:
  • 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.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to require the TOEFL is up to each individual institution. However, institutions should carefully consider the potential barriers and benefits of the test before making a decision.

Sample Solution

Thoughts on the Lau v. Nichols case and the English Language Acquisition Act (ELAA)