1997 Minnesota Code
Chapters 120 - 129B Education Code: Prekindergarten - Grade 12
Chapter 126 Curriculum; American Indians
Section 126.262 Definitions.

126.262 Definitions.

Subdivision 1. Generally. For purposes of sections 124.273 and 126.261 to 126.269, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2. "Pupil of limited English proficiency" means a pupil in any of the grades of kindergarten through 12 who meets the following requirements:

(a) The pupil, as declared by a parent or guardian (1) first learned a language other than English, (2) comes from a home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or (3) usually speaks a language other than English; and

(b) The pupil's score is significantly below the average district score for pupils of the same age on a nationally normed English reading or English language arts achievement test. A pupil's score shall be considered significantly below the average district score for pupils of the same age if it is one-third of a standard deviation below that average score.

Subd. 3. "Essential instructional personnel" means the following:

(a) A teacher licensed by the state board of teaching to teach bilingual education or English as a second language;

(b) A teacher with an exemption from a teaching license requirement pursuant to section 126.266 who is employed in a school district's English as a second language or bilingual education program;

(c) Any teacher as defined in section 125.03 who holds a valid license from the state board of teaching, if the district assures the department of children, families, and learning that the teacher will obtain the preservice and in-service training the department considers necessary to enable the teacher to provide appropriate service to pupils of limited English proficiency.

Subd. 4. "English as a second language program" means a program for the instruction of pupils of limited English proficiency in the following English language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Subd. 5. "Bilingual education program" means an educational program in which instruction is given in both English and the primary language of the pupil of limited English proficiency to the extent necessary to allow the pupil to progress effectively through the educational system and to attain the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in the English language so that the pupil will be able to perform ordinary classwork successfully in English.

Subd. 6. "Primary language" is a language other than English which is the language normally used by the child or the language which is spoken in the child's home environment.

Subd. 7. "Parent" includes a child's legal guardian.

Subd. 8. "Educational program for pupils of limited English proficiency" means an English as a second language program, bilingual education program, or both an English as a second language and a bilingual education program.

HIST: 1980 c 609 art 3 s 15; 1981 c 358 art 3 s 18; 1982 c 548 art 3 s 22; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13