What type of education does Chapter 71A of the Massachusetts General Laws emphasize?

Chapter 71A of the Massachusetts General Laws emphasizes ESL (English as a Second Language) and SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) education. This legislation focuses specifically on providing educational support for English language learners by ensuring that all students, regardless of their language proficiency, have access to high-quality instruction in English.

The aim is to develop English language skills while allowing students to participate in the general curriculum. This approach recognizes the importance of integrating language acquisition with content learning, enabling students to thrive academically while they improve their English proficiency. The focus is on creating an environment where non-native English speakers can succeed alongside their peers, making it distinctly tailored to the needs of English language learners rather than bilingual education models that may use two languages for instruction or special education, which caters to different needs altogether.