Reaching English Learners Act

S 4256, the Reaching English Learners Act, creates a new federal grant program to improve how teacher candidates are prepared to teach English learners. The bill authorizes competitive grants to partnerships between colleges of education and school districts to develop or strengthen teacher preparation programs that incorporate evidence-based strategies (like bilingual and dual-language approaches) and address specific needs of English learners. Grants last up to 5 years, require a 50% non-Federal funding match, and mandate training on helping English learners meet academic standards, supporting those with disabilities, addressing social-emotional needs, and engaging families. Grantees must evaluate program effectiveness, including teacher performance and whether graduates meet state certification requirements for teaching English learners.