How do students qualify for ESL?
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To be screened initially, students need to be able to speak a different language other than English or be in a household where another language other than English is spoken. Parents fill out a Student Home Language Survey when enrolling for school.
The screening process includes an assessment used in 32 states called the WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment). The WIDA assesses student’s English proficiency in 4 domains: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Students are given a score in each domain and then an overall score to determine a ELP (English Language Proficiency) level. There are 6 ELP levels that include: Entering, Beginning, Developing, Expanding, Bridging, and Reaching.
The ELL teacher then consults with the homeroom teacher and any other teacher that students might work with. A placement is then determined based on their WIDA score and the student’s performance in the general classroom setting.
Once a ELP score is given, that student is reassessed each year to determine student placement and growth. When a student reaches or is close to a ELP 6, they will be in consideration to FEL (Former English Learner) out of the program. They will be monitored for 2-3 years and can reenter the ELL program at any time.