The mission of the Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) is to:

• Provide national leadership to help ensure that English language learners and immigrant students attain English proficiency and achieve academically and,

• Assist in building the nation's capacity in critical foreign languages.

As you navigate the pages of our website, you will find descriptive information about the services we provide, special programs, initiatives, activities, and resources available to the Nation's educators, parents and students. OELA administers programs and activities under Title III and Title V of No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

These include all Title III formula and discretionary grant programs, foreign language formula and discretionary grant programs (Title V), discretionary grants funded under the former Title VII of ESEA and the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA).

OELA distributes and manages $1 billion dollars in federal grant funds to institutions of higher education, state education agencies, districts, schools, and community based organizations. The goal of OELA and Title III is to ensure that all federal dollars are spent to "close the achievement gap" for limited English proficient and immigrant children.

The office identifies major issues affecting the education of English language learners, assists and supports State and local systemic reform efforts that emphasize high academic standards, school accountability, professional development and parent involvement.

Under Title III, of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 the office is responsible for:

• Administering grant programs that help children develop proficiency in English and achieve high content standards.

• Recommending policies and promoting best practices for meeting the needs of English language learners.

• Strengthening collaboration and coordination among federal, state and local programs serving English language learners.

• Monitoring funded programs and providing technical assistance that focus on outcomes and accountability.