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Maine RSU 21

Maine Regional School Unit 21

Arundel · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport

IHBEA - PROGRAM FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

  • Section I: Instruction

IHBEA - PROGRAM FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS

The Board recognizes the need to provide a program for students who are not yet proficient in English ("Multilingual Learners") in order to assure these students of equal educational opportunity. The landmark US Supreme Court case Lau v. Nichols served to confirm that Title VI guarantees student multilingual learners who are not yet proficient in English to equitable and meaningful access to their education. Maine School Administrative Units are required to have a board-approved Lau Plan that describes how they uphold the civil rights of multilingual learners and their families.

  1. Development of District Lau Plan

To that end, the Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and implementing a plan to ensure Multilingual Learners have equitable and meaningful access to their education ("Lau Plan")“Lau Plan” to meet the needs of students who are Multilingual Learners, including procedures for identification, assessment, programming, monitoring or progress, exit/reclassification, follow-up, and parent notification.  The Superintendent shall appoint a Language Assessment Committee to assist in the coordination, oversight, and periodic review of the program. 

  1. Board Approval of Lau Plan

The Lau Plan and any revisions to that Plan shall be approved by the Board before it is submitted to the Maine Department of Education.

  1. District’s Notification & Parental Communication Obligations

At the beginning of each school year, RSU 21 will notify parents of students identified for or participating in programs for Multilingual Learners about the instructional program and parent rights, as required by law.  Parents will be regularly informed of their child’s progress as described in the student plan.  Communications with parents will be in the language understood by the parents.

Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. § 2000d (Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964)

20 U.S.C. § 6801 et seq.

Me. Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 127.02

Cross References: IHBEA-R RSU 21 Lau Plan

Adopted:10/18/21

Revised: 5/20/24

  • Section I