This program is mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, MSCS Board Policy 5016, Rules, Regulations, and Minimum Standards for the Governance of Tennessee Public Schools [Rule 0520-1-3-.056.a.1 and 2 ii], TDOE ESL Rule 0520.01.19 and Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2001 and amendments made in 2015 via the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights provides ongoing guidance and resources, which can be viewed below:

Dear Colleague Letters:

• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights and U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Dear Colleague Letter: English Learner Students and Limited English Proficient Parents (January 2015)

Fact Sheets:

• Fact Sheet: Ensuring Educational Opportunities for All Students on Equal Terms 70 Years After Brown v. Board of Education (May 2024)  PDF (105K)