ED Releases Notice of Proposed Interpretation of NCLB Title III Provisions

ED Releases Notice of Proposed Interpretation of NCLB Title III Provisions: On Friday, May 2, the Department of Education released a notice of "proposed interpretation" of several provisions of Title III of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The purpose of this proposed guidance, according to the Office of English Language Acquisition, is to ensure that all states implement the requirements of Title III consistently and follow the secretary's "bright line" principles of NCLB. In addition, the department recognizes and is now responding to various implementation issues for which states have repeatedly asked for guidance. The passage of NCLB marked the first time states have been required to implement English language proficiency standards, language assessments aligned to those standards and meaningful accountability for ensuring that limited English proficient (LEP) students acquire the English skills they need. In the notice, the secretary proposes a total of 10 interpretations and clarifications of several provisions of Title III regarding the annual administration of English language proficiency (ELP) assessments to LEP students served by Title III, the establishment and implementation of annual measurable achievement objectives for states and districts receiving Title III funds and state and local implementation of Title III accountability provisions. There will be a 30-day public comment period for states, districts and stakeholders to provide feedback on the notice. Public comments on the notice must be submitted in writing on or before June 2, 2008 through the LEP.Partnership@ed.gov e-mail address and may be submitted in hard copy directly to the Department of Education as well. View the notice.