Use of Federal, State, and Local Funds for the Education of Limited English Proficient Students

NYS TESOL is committed to educational programs which provide LEP students with the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural skills necessary to function fully within an English-speaking society. Toward this end, we insist that English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a basic instructional requirement for all LEP students in every educa tional setting. School districts must be obligated to provide ESOL instruction, regardless of the avail ability of federal and state funds for this purpose. Furthermore, we advocate that:

  1. local school districts have the right to determine the educational approach that is best suited to meet the instructional needs of their LEP students;
  2. a free-standing ESOL program is an effective approach to the education of LEP students, and schools providing such programs must have equal access to federal, Sstate, and local funds designated for LEP students.
  3. when an approach other than a free-standing ESOL program is implemented, ESOL instruction must be an essential component of that program;
  4. the so-called "sink or swim" approach to teaching English to LEP students is ineffective and must be opposed; and
  5. sufficient funds must be provided so that all REP students receive specialized instructional and support services.

NYS TESOL will continue to affirm the right of LEP students to appropriate educational programs which are specifically designed to meet their linguistic, cognitive, and cultural needs.