The History of ELL Policy Implementation The U.S. has been confronted with the need to develop programs to assist ELL students since the eighteenth century. Reportedly, over 19 languages were spoken in America at that time as immigrants merged onto her shores to coexist alongside Native Americans. Community schools formed by natives and immigrants were the earliest forms of intentional language acquisition instruction during the eighteenth century. With the development of formalized practices in education and increased immigration, the need for policy implementation increased regarding public schooling. While extensively debated, very little was done to mandate services to ELLs between 1920 and 1960. Following a period of limited resources …show more content…
This legislation allowed for students to participate and receive equal instruction through immersion of ELL students into the general education setting. While great in theory, this act centered on the fair treatment of African Americans and minimally ensured adequate access for language disadvantaged students. Shortly after, and following continued debate for equity, the Bilingual Education Act (BEA) of 1968, known as Title VII, was implemented. The BEA recognized the needs and challenges of ELL students and funded programs to service economically disadvantaged students. Title VII was identified as the first federal legislation to recognize and assist in the needs of students acquiring the English language. Although funding was being provided, the law did not require states to implement the use of a second language in the classroom. This inequity led to interest groups and advocates to voice concerns regarding the violation of student rights under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964. Shortly after and in 1974 the landmark US Supreme Court Case of Lau vs. Nichols ruled that the children were being denied equal access to education if they spoke a language other than English, hence not understanding the language of instruction (Kim, et. al, 2013). This ruling ensured the implementation of services geared toward the success of ELL students, and in the same year, the Equal Educational Opportunity Act (EEOA) was