What civil rights requirements apply if there are LEP students attending my charter school?
A13. In Lau v. Nichols, the U.S. Supreme Court held that school districts must take affirmative steps to help LEP students overcome language barriers so that they can participate meaningfully in each school districts programs. Under Title VI, public schools and LEAs must identify LEP students and provide them educational services so they can learn English-language skills and acquire the knowledge and skills in academic content areas that all students are required to know. Public schools are not required to adopt any particular model of instruction for LEP students. However, where a program is necessary to ensure equal educational opportunity for LEP students, it must be based on a sound educational theory, adequately supported with qualified staff and adequate resources so that the program has a reasonable chance for success, and periodically evaluated and revised, if necessary.
