Programs for Secondary Limited English Proficient

The results of an exploratory study that investigated the range of programs available to limited English proficient (LEP) students in California secondary schools are addressed. The study consisted of several components: a telephone survey to 27 secondary schools that were demographically and regionally representative of California high schools and intermediate schools with LEP populations; site visits to five schools selected for the richness of their programs; a literature review; and individual consultations and interviews with local school district and State Department of Education personnel. Innovative efforts to address the needs of LEP students throughout California were found, but all of these efforts faced difficulties in implementation. Regardless of the language of instruction, fewer than one-fourth of the schools surveyed were able to offer a full menu of core content courses to LEP students. Four recommendations resulting from the survey were made. These include