Students who are learning English in school are called “English Learners” (or “EL” students). Federal and Missouri state laws give ELs and their families important rights and protections. ELs have the right to equal education, which means schools have to provide appropriate language assistance services to ensure equal participation by ELs. These laws apply to all schools getting federal money, including private schools that get this money.
Students who are Els and have disabilities that qualify under the IDEA or Section 504 have the right to a free appropriate public education. School districts must make sure they take the student’s language learning needs into account when creating the student’s Individualized Education Program.
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