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European Immigrants
European Immigrants settle in rural enclaves and run their own non-English speaking schools. At the time English was not the standard and non-English schools were normal. -
Ohio Adopts Bilingual Education
Ohio is the first state to adopt a bilingual education law, allowing German-English instruction at the parents' request. This is significant as it recognizes the importance of bilingual education. Eight years later (1847) Louisiana passes a law similar allowing French-English instruction. -
14th Amendment added to the U.S. Constitution
The 14th amendment extended liberties and rights granted by the Bill of Rights to former slaves. This for the first time in our nations history afforded, among other things, black's right to an education. -
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Indian Affairs official policy of repressing native language is rescinded. Prior to this being rescinded (cir. 1880s) English was forced upon them. This is significant because America is beginning to realize the error in their ways and the importance of diversity. -
First Federal Language Law
Congress passes the first federal language law (The Naturalization Act of 1906). This required that all immigrants wishing to become naturalized citizens learn English. Subsequently, U.S. enters WWI sparking language restrictions in schools. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act ended segregation in public places (e.g. schools) and banned discrimination on the bases of race, color, or national origin for those receiving federal financial assistance. This is important as it provided an incentive (e.g. federal funding) to desegregate. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
In 1965, Title I provided assistance for the education of children from low-income families. This Act helped ensure that children from low-income families meet state academic standards removing the financial barrier and affording the same opportunities regardless of income. -
ESEA Title VII
In 1968, Title VII provided assistance for programs designed to meet the needs of limited-English-proficient students (The Bilingual Education Act). Its purpose was to establish new methods for students with limited English speaking ability. -
HEW Memorandum
This memo was sent to school districts with more than 5% minority grouped children. It identified deficiencies revealed during compliance reviews. The purpose was to clarify policy and the responsibilities of school districts to provide equal opportunity education, and highlighted three main areas of concern. -
National Association for Bilingual Education
The program provides, among other things, bilingual educators with professional development opportunities and is an advocate for the rights of language minority Americans.
