Emergent Bilinguals: A Review of Education Policy in Missouri
Michaela Parisi, Ph.D.
Emergent Bilinguals (EBs), or students with a home language other than English, are a diverse group of students who bring additional linguistic assets to the classroom. Drawing on six decades of federal legislation and landmark court cases, the brief outlines the evolution of protections for EBs and examines how Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) implements these policies through identification, instruction, and assessment practices. The report also highlights ongoing challenges, including reduced federal funding and limited teacher preparation in English Language Development. We conclude with recommendations for community members, educators, and educational policy makers.
Key Points:
Emergent Bilinguals (EBs), students with a home language other than English, are a diverse group with individual differences and needs. From 2017 to 2024, the number of students enrolled in Missouri public schools who have a first language other than English increased 28% (around 40,000 students in 2024).
Schools are required to provide meaningful, appropriate education to EB students regardless of language proficiency. This means that in addition to providing English language instruction, schools must ensure EB students have access to the same curriculum as all other students.
The federal government has rescinded guidance on EB education despite continued increases in EB student enrollment. While this does not change the requirement for schools to provide appropriate education to EB students, it may make it more difficult for educators to access resources and support for these students.
Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website has a wealth of resources for parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators about EB education.
Please Cite As: Parisi, M. (2025). Emergent Bilinguals A Review of Education Policy in Missouri. Policy Research in Missouri Education, 7(26). Saint Louis University. www.primecenter.org/policy-brief-database/emergent-bilinguals