North Dakota State PIRC is a Parent Information and Resource Center; Funded by US Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement

SERVICES FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) STUDENTS

If your child is new to this country or has entered school from a home where English is not spoken . . .

To be successful in school, students need to speak, read, and write English well. If your child is not using English well now, he or she may need special classes for English language learners. Under NCLB, these services are called services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. In North Dakota State, LEP students are provided with a bilingual education program or an English as a second language (ESL) program. NCLB gives schools new responsibilities to notify parents of children in bilingual or ESL classes and explain how the classes will help their children.

The school must tell you if your child is enrolled in a bilingual or ESL class within 30 days after school starts, or within 2 weeks after your child begins a class during the school year. Because learning English is so important, you will want to learn all about the bilingual or ESL classes and how they will help your child have better English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.

Here is what you will learn from your school �

Why your child was selected for a bilingual or ESL class.

How well your child speaks English now and how the school assessed this.

How your child is doing in school now.

How the bilingual or ESL class will help your child learn English and do better in school subjects.

How bilingual or ESL programs differ in content and teaching methods.

How long your child might need these classes.

You can choose the best way for your child to learn English at school

North Dakota schools have different ways to teach English. Under NCLB, teachers in your school will help you choose if different kinds of bilingual and ESL classes are available.

If your child has special education needs, your child�s special education teacher and English language teacher will plan with you to meet the goals in your child�s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What can you do to make sure your child learns to speak, read, and write English well?

If your child is already in a class for bilingual or ESL students, you will want to learn all about the services provided. Ask your child�s teacher for information written in your own language. Or ask that a translator be with you in parent-teacher conferences.

If you think your child needs help in speaking, reading or writing English, but isn�t getting help, don�t delay! Contact your child�s classroom teacher, the bilingual or ESL, or the principal today.

Schools can also tell you about classes for adults who want to learn English. Contact your school principal or parent coordinator to learn what�s available in your community.

If you want to get to know other families with children learning English, contact your school�s parent coordinator or parent group leader. Share your interest and let them know you want to help organize a group.

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