History of Multilingual Competency in the United States

Bilingual education in Ohio

Dec 22, 1839

Instruction could be in English and German if parents in the district want it.

United States annexes some parts of Mexico

Dec 22, 1848

The Spanish speaking people that live there are promised that their language will not be discriminated against.

Legislation banning bilingual education is passed for the first time in the United States

Dec 22, 1888

Wisconsin and Illinois want instruction to be in English only.

Del Rio Independent School District v. Salvatierra

Dec 22, 1930

In Texas, court battles determine whether or not Mexican students can be segregated or not. A high court ruled that they can be because they need to be taught English.

Serna v. Portales Municipal Schools

Dec 22, 1972

This is the first time a Federal court has to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Instruction in the native language should be part of a state's desegregation plan.

Lau v. Nichols

Dec 23, 1974

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of having special services available for ELLs. This led to the Lau Remedies.

Ríos v. Read

Dec 23, 1977

It is ruled in a federal court that bilingual programs will include education about the culture as well, basically providing a context for the language.

Gómez v. Illinois State Board of Education

Dec 23, 1987

Schools are specifically mandated to provide special services to ELLs.

No Child Left Behind Act, Title III

Dec 23, 2001

Schools may receive federal funding for programs to teach English to non-native speakers.

Williams et al. v. State of California et al

Dec 23, 2004

The State of California must provide teachers for ELLs.