Reaching English Learners Act

HR 3605, the Reaching English Learners Act, creates a new federal grant program to improve teacher preparation for educators working with English learners. The bill authorizes competitive grants to partnerships between colleges and school districts (high-need local educational agencies or early childhood programs) to develop or strengthen teacher training programs. These grants fund evidence-based strategies like bilingual education and dual-language instruction, clinical classroom experiences with English learners, and training on supporting students with disabilities who are English learners. Partners must contribute 50% of costs from non-Federal sources and track outcomes like teacher certification rates and employment in high-need schools. The program aims to ensure future teachers meet state requirements to effectively support English learners in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education.