Dive Brief:

• The Blueprint for English-Language Learners Success, which was approved by the New York Board of Regents this spring, pushes for more challenging bilingual and dual-language instruction options, as well as more accountability for the needs of English-language learners.  
• The plan, which has been deemed the first of its kind, works to address the achievement gap between English-language learners and students already proficient in the language.  
• The blueprint is currently just a guiding document and its recommendations are not mandated.  

Dive Insight:

For many, the blueprint represents a massive shift in the way the public perceives English-language learners.  

"This is a recognition of the linguistic and cultural wealth that these children have," Nancy Villarreal de Adler, the executive director of the New York State Association for Bilingual Education, told Ed Week. "And the vision for them is not only to become fluent and literate in English, but to complete rigorous language programs that make them fully biliterate in English and their home language."

This recognition that Villarreal de Adler discusses is weaved throughout the document. For example, the plan urges educators to "recognize that bilingualism and biliteracy are assets."