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.