The Office of Civil Rights requires that all students receive meaningful access to education. These duties include: idenitifying and assesing students in need of language services, providing appropriate programs for language acquistion, monitoring ELL students, and prohibiting discrimination based on national orgin and ensuring access to core curriculum. 

In Colorado, an MLL (multilingual student) is a student that speaks another language than English in the home, and requires additional support and resources to become proficient in English. There is a lengthy process to determine which students receive these services. The Home Language Survey is given to students first. If any language other than English is indicated in these results the student is then given the WIDA access screener test. WIDA helps determine the students English language proficiency level. Students that are deemed eligible through WIDA screening receive ELD benefits. ELD stands for English Language Development. 

Dual Immersion- Students from two different language backgrounds learn together. Instruction is given in both languages. Goal is a 50/50 balance. Promotes equal billingualism. 

Transitional Billingual-  Start with instruction in a student's home language. Once students become fully proficient in English, instruction tansitions to English. This method is heavily ccriticized because it minimizes a child's home language. 

Heritage Language/ Language Revitalization- A curricullum that seeks to promote a child's home language/ heritage language. Includes cultural history, components, and language instruction. 

ESL/ ELD Pull Out- A ESL model where children are removed from the classroom for a given period of time and taught English explictly. Most common in Southwest Colorado region. 

ELD Co- Teaching- ESL students stay in classroom with rest of peers. ELD teacher teaches to the ESL student while general teacher is teaching.

Newcomer Programs- This program supports recently arrived immigrant students. Teaches students "survival" language skills, so that they may begin to integrate into school programs. Meant to minimize culture shock.