Office for Civil Rights: Programs for English Language Learners

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has compiled a variety of resources to help educators better understand their responsibility to provide English language learners (ELLs) with access to equal educational opportunities.

Although most educators are familiar with the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, many are less familiar with the laws and court decisions related to ELLs. These OCR ELL resource materials: provide legal background about important laws, regulations, and court cases; outline key legal principles; and highlight actions for educators to consider when developing, implementing and evaluating educational programs for ELLs.