Purpose

English Language Learners have steadily increased among America’s public schools for decades now. However, the initiatives and abilities to cater to ELL students has been slow and sporadic at best. Policymakers and educators have attempted to advocate for ELL students in order to ensure that they receive the necessary resources and education to succeed in this country.  Though not all ELL students are immigrants of the United States, a predominate percentage of them are. With that ‘status’ comes a myriad of struggles and hurdles ELL students are often left alone to face. The point is, not enough is being done to help ELL students. As such, the aim of the website seeks to showcase grassroots and movements that are currently advocating for this marginalized group.

Background Information

Given the evolving nature of the nation’s cultural, racial and ethnic diversity, it should not come as a surprise that many American students speak another language(s) in addition to English. States such as Texas, California, Florida and New York have garnered experience in aiding ELL students due to their heightened and increase of students whose English is not their first language.

What are we doing for ELL students?

While there has been a significant movement to enact legislation in favor of educating ELL students, the unfortunate reality is that students continue to be underserved. Education policy has moved the effort towards educational equity through the pressures of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund and similar nonprofits. However, the voices of parents, teachers and the students themselves are not receiving the proper platform to speak their needs and grievances.