Multilingual Learner Parent Bill of Rights (INFOGRAPHIC)

During the 2023 regular legislative session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a bill of rights for the parents and guardians of multilingual learners. The bill of rights guarantees the educational rights of multilingual learner students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are safeguarded and protected by law.

This infographic, available in English and Spanish, explains the Multilingual Learner Parent Bill of Rights and what protections are afforded to parents/guardians as they navigate their student's education.

Included in the bill of rights is:

• The right for a student to attend a public school in Connecticut, regardless of the immigration status of the student or their parent(s) or guardian(s), and without the need to submit immigration documents.
• The right for parents/guardians to have translation services provided during “critical interactions,” including parent-teacher conferences and meetings with administrators.
• The right for students to participate in a bilingual education program provided by the local or regional board of education.
• The right for parents/guardians to receive written notice in both English and their native language that their child will participate in a bilingual program.
• The right for students and parents/guardians to receive a “high-quality orientation session” in their native language.
• The right for parents/guardians to receive progress reports and meet with school staff to discuss the child’s English language development.
• The right for students to have “equal access to all grade-level programming” and core subject matter.
• The right for a student to receive yearly language proficiency testing.
• The right for a student to receive support services “aligned with any intervention plan” that districts provide to all students.
• The right for parents/guardians to contact the State Department of Education with any questions or concerns regarding these rights and accommodations.