H.R. 5547: To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide for additional activities, resources, and data collection with respect to English learners, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to make several amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 specifically to enhance the support for English learners in schools. Below are the key provisions of the bill summarized:

ESEA Amendments

It proposes changes to improve the academic achievement of English learners and to address the diverse needs of students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or come from immigrant backgrounds.

Data Collection Enhancements

Schools will be required to collect and report statistics on the diversity of their teaching staff, including racial, ethnic, gender, and linguistic backgrounds. This aims to ensure that the workforce reflects the diversity of student populations.

Support for English Learners

The bill emphasizes the need to assist English learners and immigrant children to achieve high academic standards. It stipulates that:

• English learners should be taught in inclusive settings with access to dual language programs.
• Agencies must monitor the progress of former English learners to ensure they continue to meet academic standards.

Activities by Schools and Agencies

It outlines activities that schools and specially qualified agencies can undertake to support English learners:

• Increase access to resources and services in students' native languages.
• Implement evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes for English learners.
• Provide training for educators to better support English learners and immigrant youth.

Engagement with Families

Schools receiving federal funding will also be tasked with informing immigrant families about relevant laws and resources in their native languages, ensuring better communication and understanding of available support services.

Accountability Measures

The bill necessitates that accountability measures for schools include disaggregated data on student performance by various demographics, such as English learners with disabilities, ethnicity, race, and native language. This is intended to provide a clearer picture of the educational outcomes for different racial and linguistic groups.

Monitoring State and Local Laws

Furthermore, the legislation calls for a review of state and local laws that affect English learners and their families, and for schools to notify families about these laws in accessible language.

Relevant Companies

None found