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North Carolina School District Fails English Learner Students
A shocking investigation by the Justice Department has revealed that the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education has been systematically failing English learner students in the district’s schools. The investigation, conducted under the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974, found that the district’s programs for English learner students were woefully inadequate, leaving students without the instruction and support they need to learn English and fully participate in school.
“Students and parents who are not fluent in English have a right to access all of their school’s education programs and activities — and access starts with meaningful communication and appropriate instruction by school districts,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department recognizes that today’s English learner students are tomorrow’s bilingual graduates. These students will bring essential and diverse language skills into our workforce and communities. We are encouraged that the Rowan-Salisbury School System has committed to the goals of equity and fairness at the heart of this agreement and we will continue to fight to ensure that all students enjoy access to educational opportunity regardless of background.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Rowan-Salisbury School System will be forced to increase language instruction for all English learner students, including those with disabilities, so they can become fluent in English. The district will also be required to train its teachers and administrators on how to support English learner students in academic subjects such as math, science and social studies. Additionally, the district will be expected to continue to improve its translation and interpretation services for Limited English Proficient parents so all parents can fully participate in their children’s education.
The Justice Department will be monitoring the district’s implementation of the settlement agreement over the course of the next three full school years. The agreement is a major victory for English learner students and their families, who have been fighting for equal access to education for years.
“This settlement is a significant step forward for the Rowan-Salisbury School System and for English learner students across the country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve, regardless of their background or language proficiency.”
The investigation and settlement are a stark reminder of the importance of providing equal access to education for all students, regardless of their language proficiency or background. The Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of English learner students is unwavering, and this settlement is a testament to that commitment.
For more information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department, please visit www.justice.gov/crt. For more information about the Educational Opportunities Section, please visit https://www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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