ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Eligibility for the ELL program is based on information on the initial school registration form. Any indication that English is a second language requires that the student be tested for English fluency. A standardized test, the Idea Proficiency Test (IPT), is then given to determine the level of English language proficiency. If a student is eligible to receive ELL services, an appropriate program of instruction will be designed for him/her. This may include pull-out into the ELL classroom for instruction and/or support from the ELL staff in the regular classroom.
Student progress is evaluated in the spring of every year using the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) ACCESS for English Language Learners assessment. The ACCESS assesses students' proficiency in social language, as well as the language of science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts.
Students receive EL support until they are able to demonstrate a level of English proficiency that allows them to work successfully in the regular classroom. It is important to note that while verbal proficiency may be acquired rapidly, proficiency in academic subjects may take seven to ten years.
ELL Program Completion
When students achieve Level 6 status on the WIDA ACCESS by demonstrating a high degree of fluency and accuracy when speaking, reading a wide range of texts, and writing fluently with minimal errors, they are considered proficient and able to succeed without further EL services.