What provision does Lau v Nicholes ensure for ESL students?

Lau v. Nichols established a significant precedent in ensuring that English as a Second Language (ESL) students receive appropriate language support through accommodations to facilitate their learning. The Supreme Court ruled that simply providing education in English, without additional support, does not meet the needs of students who are not proficient in English.

This decision emphasizes the necessity for schools to implement specialized programs that assist these students in overcoming language barriers, thus ensuring they have equal access to the curriculum. The ruling mandates that schools must take affirmative steps to provide meaningful language assistance, enabling ESL students to participate fully in educational opportunities. This support can include bilingual education programs, specialized ESL classes, or various instructional accommodations tailored to help these students succeed academically while they develop their English language skills.