•    Bilingual Education is an instructional program offered in elementary schools and selected middle schools for students whose native language is other than English (Spanish, Vietnamese, etc.) and who need to enhance English language skills. The program provides limited English proficient (LEP) students with a carefully structured sequence of basic skills in their native language, as well as gradual skill development in English, beginning at PK, through English as a Second Language methodology. In bilingual programs, the function of the native language is to provide access to the curriculum while the student is acquiring English; instruction in the native language assures that students attain grade level cognitive skills without lagging behind.