Archived FedPro Message

For more information about the programs discussed below,

please contact the Federal Grants Management Section (573) 751-3468.

Educating Linguistically Diverse Students

Date:  March 13, 2009

All school districts in Missouri are required to provide equal educational opportunities to students regardless of race, national origin, sex, color or disabilities. Highly qualified teachers are needed in schools to implement programs ensuring that all children meet Missouri’s academic content and achievement standards. To have access to school programs, English Language Learners (ELLs) – including immigrant children and youth, refugees, migrants, and undocumented students – must receive instruction that increases their English proficiency and core academic content knowledge.

The following website provides guidance on how your district can serve those English Language Learners

  http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/fedprog/discretionarygrants/bilingual-esol/. 

The Educating Linguistically Diverse Students: Requirements and Practices handbook is available on our website.  It gives school districts a clear understanding of responsibilities toward students of limited English proficiency (LEP) or English Language Learners (ELL).  In response to frequent inquiries about programs and services for these students, this document addresses the key areas of Student Identification and Assessment, Program Components and Evaluation, and Culture. Additional Appendices, Resources, and Addresses provide school teachers and administrators sources of assistance with program development and implementation and ways to meet the diverse needs of students and parents.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Yaya Badji, Supervisor of the ELL Program at the MO Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education.  His phone number is (573) 522-1567 or yaya.badji@dese.mo.gov .

Craig Rector

Director, Federal Discretionary Grants

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

PO Box 480

Jefferson City, MO 65102

Telephone:  573-526-1594

Fax:  573-526-6698