Helping states create better content assessment.

A Pilot program aims to ensure that limited English proficient students are getting a fair shake under the No Child Left Behind law.

The U.S. Department of Education recently partnered with 20 states--though all states can participate--and brought experts from across the U.S. to help states develop high-quality assessments for LEP students. The partnership will improve content assessments in reading and math for such students.

The 20 states have submitted plans for the 2005-2006 peer review of assessment systems and focused on tests tailored to LEP students. Most tests for LEP students had not met full approval as of September.

"It's a very important first step ... that will positively help English language learners," said Peter Zamora, legislative staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, during an August teleconference.

"We believe No Child Left Behind has enormous potential to improve the academic achievement and attainment of ELLs, but ... we have to give states the tools and hold their feet to the fire" and ensure students learn to their potential, added Raul Gonzalez of the National Council of La Raza.