Florida School District Settles with Justice Department, Pledges to Improve English Learner Program

Following a federal investigation, the Clay County School District in Florida agrees to improve English learning services due to deficiencies in instruction and support for non-native speakers, with the Justice Department to supervise its progress over the next four years.

• The Clay County School District in Florida has come to a settlement agreement with the US Justice Department to improve language services for English learner students after a federal investigation revealed deficiencies in the program.
• The investigation discovered that the district did not provide necessary instruction for English learners to become fluent and failed to provide school information in a language that non-English speaking parents could understand.
• The Justice Department also found that English learners were not meaningfully able to participate in many classes and didn't receive adequate individualized academic and behavioral support.
• Under the settlement, the district will now ensure that English learners are correctly assessed and identified, promptly given language services, and equally benefit from academic and behavioral supports.
• The district is committed to making sure all teachers are qualified and trained, and also given sufficient resources to help English learners become fluent in and understand their coursework. The district will also provide important school information to parents in a language they comprehend.

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