HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The U.S. Department of Education is reversing course on guidance for English language services in schools. It’s a decision that could impact roughly five million students according to ABC News. Dr. Marédil León with The University of Houston’s College of Education joined Eyewitness News live Tuesday morning to break down the potential impact.
Federal guidance for districts serving English learners was first issued in 2015. Dr. León said it created a consistent standard for the best ways to teach bilingual students English and help them transition to mainstream classes. The guidance helped Texas teachers provide services for over 1 million students who speak other languages, according to the TEA. Those services include ESL, bilingual, and dual language programs.
Removing the guidance does not strip resources for students or alter state curriculums. However, a lack of federal oversight and accountability is leading to some concern. Dr. León said she’s worried the “sink or swim method” could reemerge in some districts, which has historically been detrimental to English learners.
No Houston-area school districts have indicated there will be changes based on the DOE’s reversal. However, Dr. Leon said she will be watching for red flags, like if translation services are pulled back for parents.
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