What did the Lau vs. Nichols case establish regarding ESL programs?

The Lau vs. Nichols case was a landmark decision in the realm of educational rights for English Language Learners (ELLs). The ruling established that simply providing equal facilities or resources is not sufficient for students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). Instead, it emphasized that equal treatment in education necessitates specific instructional support tailored to meet the unique needs of these students.

This means that schools must implement effective programs that address language barriers, ensuring that students can access the same quality of education as their English-speaking peers. The decision underscored the importance of linguistic support and the need for educational programs to be designed in a way that acknowledges and accommodates the language development needs of LEP students. Hence, the correct answer focuses on the necessity of providing not just equal resources, but targeted instructional interventions that promote language acquisition and academic progress.