English Language Learn-

ers in the Classroom

Your child has rights to
a fair education no
matter what language
they speak!
FOR MORE INFO
WHERE TO FIND HELP
U.S. Department of Education:
Information about federal policies
and laws related to education
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/landing.j
html?src=pn
OSPI: This site provides information
related to WA state educational
policies and resources. For infor-
mation about MEP
http://www.k12.wa.us/MigrantBiling
ual/Services.aspx For information
about TBIP:
https://www.k12.wa.us/migrantbilin
gual/bilingualprogram.aspx
Northwest Immigrant Right Ser-
vices: Organization dedicated to
strengthening immigrant rights.
http://www.nwirp.org/
Immigration Equality: Legal support
service for LGBT immigrants
http://immigrationequality.org/
Bellingham Schools Support Ser-
vices: List of local support services.
http://bellinghamschools.org/depart
ment/family-support-services
Whatcom Literacy Council: Literacy
support services for people of all ag-
es. http://whatcomliteracy.org/
There are laws to support YOU and
your childs education.
The Civil Rights Act 1964
This law states that unfair treatment
based on race, color, or national origin
in programs or activities receiving mon-
ey from the government is unlawful.
Examples of unfair treatment covered by
this law include:
Racial harassment
School segregation (placement in a
different school)
Denial of language services to lim-
ited English speaking students
WA State Programs
TBIP
Washington state created a program
that helps address the needs of various
people. This program is called the Tran-
sitional Bilingual Instructional Program
(TBIP) and helps about 8% of students
in WA state.
How students enter TBIP:
Students answer what l an-
guages they speak at home.
I f the chi l d speaks a l anguage
other than Engl i sh, the student
takes an Engl i sh test wi thi n
the student s fi rst 10 days of
school
Students who recei ve a certai n
score are gi ven servi ces.

If your child is entered into the
TBIP they get instruction in Eng-
lish and the language they speak
at home.
EQUAL EDUCATION, ITS THE LAW Migrant Education Program
The Migrant Education Program (MEP)
gives money to help educate migrato-
ry children (children that travel for a
variety of reasons). Because migratory
children travel a lot these programs
help make sure they arent getting be-
hind in school. Ask your school district
about these programs.

FERPA
Hold your school accountable for en-
suring your child is getting access to
the education they deserve. According
the Family Educational Rights and
Policy Act (FERPA), if you are the par-
ent or legal guardian of a student you
are able to:
Inspect and review student records
Request that inaccurate records are
corrected
Protect your childs information