NY A06742

Requires all school districts to establish a language assistance program providing limited English proficient (LEP) parents effective communication access with teachers and school personnel in their primary language.

Mandates that frequently used forms and written materials sent home to LEP parents be provided in their primary language, and that language assistance be available for school calls, visits, and school-sponsored programs including parent-teacher conferences and workshops.

Requires school districts to maintain records and submit annual reports to the commissioner documenting the number of LEP parents assisted, bilingual personnel used, complaints filed, and households with one English-proficient parent.

Directs the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations establishing methodology for identifying primary languages, determining the percentage of LEP parents, and creating a complaint procedure for alleged non-compliance.

Applies only to school districts where non-English speaking residents or LEP parents constitute more than 5 percent of the district's population based on the two most recent federal decennial censuses; permits districts to form cooperative agreements to jointly establish programs.