English Language Learning
How are students identified as English Learners (EL)?
Step 1: Home Language Survey
Upon registration, parents answer questions about the language used at home.
Step 2: Screening
If the home language survey has a language other than English, the student is screened using a test to measure academic English skills in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Step 3: Parent Notification
Parents will be sent a letter from the school within the first 30 days of school or within 10 days if registered later in the school year to notify them about qualification for English Language Learning (ELL) services.
Step 4: Service Plan
Students qualify for English services if the screening score is below a 5.0 or until they exit services. An English Language Acquisition Plan (ELAP) is designed for each student based on their language needs.
ELL Services
Students will receive language services each year until they meet the exit requirements for services. Services will vary based upon the language needs of each student and will be delivered by a qualified EL teacher or a highly-trained paraprofessional. Services may be one or more of the following:
- ELL Pull-Out: Students will receive small group or individual support with language instruction outside of the classroom.
- ELL Push-In: Students receive support with academics and language inside the classroom with additional teacher or para support.
- Dual Language Instruction (DLI): The student will participate in a program where the home language is supported for half of the day and English immersion and instruction occurs during the other half.
- Sheltered English Instruction: A core subject (ie. Math, English, Science, Social Studies/ History) is taught by a trained and certified teacher of English Learners. A majority of the students in the class are English Learners.
- Structured English Immersion: A classroom or course is taught by a trained and certified teacher of English Learners. A majority of the students in the class are not English Learners.
Exiting
A student achieving a 4.2 or higher on the composite score AND a minimum of 3.5 on the speaking portion of the WIDA ACCESS test will exit ELL services. Exited students will be monitored for four years to ensure they are progressing and have the support they need to be successful in the classroom. If needed, a student can be rescreened and may be able to re-enter the ELL program.
ELL Student and Parent Rights
English Learners have a right to an education that supports both English Language Learning and grade-level standards. Parents have the right to decline English Language Learning services. However, students must be tested in WIDA until meeting the exit requirements.