WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statements in response to the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) new report on English learners (ELs) in the United States, “K-12 Education: How States Identify English Learners, Including Those with Disabilities.”
“Growing up as an English learner (EL) in Arizona, I’ve witnessed the significant progress our nation has made to identify and provide critical educational services and resources for other ELs,” said Rep. Grijalva. “The GAO report provides insight on how the federal government can work with states to simplify and improve the process for EL outreach, including those with disabilities. This report will help Congressional and educational leaders make the right investments to empower EL communities and help ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”
“The recent GAO report highlights the ongoing challenge of accurately identifying the educational needs of English learners, particularly those with disabilities. While progress has been made in 17 states across the country, much work remains to be done. It is imperative that all states continue to prioritize improvements in determining and addressing the unique needs of English learners, in particular those with learning disabilities or language impairments. Our commitment to equity and excellence demands nothing less,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
“The percentage of English Language Learners (ELLs) in our classrooms continues to grow in communities around our nation, including in my district, and it remains critical that the policies we put forth in Congress are inclusive of ELL students, teachers, and their families,” said Rep. Espaillat. “I commend the GAO on this report detailing the achievement, progress, and path forward to ensure ELL students, especially those with disabilities, are afforded the opportunity to meet and exceed the proficiency standards required in English and other subjects along their educational trajectory and beyond.”