The Board of Education of the North Colonie Central School District (“Board”) believes that students, who by reason of foreign birth or ancestry have limited English proficiency, will be more effective learners of both the language and the curriculum if they receive instruction in both their native language and English. The North Colonie Central School District (“District”) will therefore make every effort to ensure that limited English proficient (“LEP”) students are provided with an appropriate program of transitional bilingual education or free-standing English as a second language (“ESL”) program.
Pursuant to this policy and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the District has developed appropriate administrative regulations to ensure that LEP students are:
- Diagnostically screened for limited English proficiency, in accordance with Part 117 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. All identified as LEP will be annually evaluated. Included in the evaluation shall be each student’s performance in content areas to measure academic progress;
- Assured of access to appropriate instructional and support services, including guidance programs; and
- Assured of having equal opportunities to participate in all school programs and extracurricular activities as non-LEP students.
The District’s Limited English Proficiency Instruction Regulation is appended hereto.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for ensuring that the District’s Limited English Proficiency Instruction Regulation is implemented, that the Commissioner of Education is provided with all information required under the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and that the District provides appropriate school-related information to parents of LEP students in English or when necessary, in the language they understand. In addition, the Superintendent shall ensure that all teachers employed for any bilingual and/or ESL program are properly certified in accordance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.
Ref: Education law § 3204
8 NYCRR §§ 80.9; 80.10; 117; 154 et seq.
Note: Prior policy, North Colonie ESOL Program 5115
Policy Adopted: May 22, 1995
Amended: June 21, 1999
Amended: October 24, 2011