NC 1500-2.26 Native Language

Plain English summary

This regulation defines 'native language' as it applies to individuals with limited English proficiency in the context of special education. For children, it refers to the language normally used by the parents or by the child in the home or learning environment, which must be used in all direct contact including evaluations. For individuals who are deaf, blind, or have no written language, native language means the individual's normal mode of communication such as sign language, Braille, or oral communication.

Key requirements

• The language normally used by that individual, or, in the case of a child, the language normally used by the parents of the child
• The language normally used by the child in the home or learning environment (to be used in all direct contact with a child, including evaluation of the child)
• For an individual with deafness or blindness, or for an individual with no written language, the mode of communication is that normally used by the individual (such as sign language, Braille, or oral communication)

Affected parties

• students with limited English proficiency
• parents of children with limited English proficiency
• students with deafness
• students with blindness
• students with no written language
• local education agencies
• special education evaluators

Official source

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/publications/catalog/ec144-policies-governing-services/open#page=15