English Language Learners (ELL) Program

Assessment of ELL Students

If a language other than English is listed on the Home Language Survey, the student is given the Pre-LAS at the Early Learning Center or the W-APT at all the other schools to determine if the student is eligible for ELL or Bilingual services. This assessment must be given by a qualified and trained ELL teacher. It is also possible that we are notified by other means of ELL eligibility.

Once eligibility is determined, the student is enrolled in either the ELL, Bilingual (Spanish speaking students), or Dual Language (Spanish/English speaking students) program. Parental permission is needed for placement. If the Bilingual program is suggested by the ELL teacher, transportation will be provided to Sheridan Elementary, if necessary.

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Levels

LEP 1: Beginning/Preproduction (WIDA Level = Entering)

A pupil shall be classified level 1 if the pupil does not understand or speak English with the exception of a few isolated words or expressions.

LEP 2: Beginning/Production (WIDA Level = Beginning)

• The pupil understands and speaks conversational and academic English with hesitancy and difficulty.
• The pupil understands parts of lessons and simple directions.
• The pupil is at a pre-emergent or emergent level of reading and writing in English significantly below grade level.

Level 3: Intermediate (WIDA Level - Developing)

• The pupil understands and speaks conversational and academic English with descreasing hesitancy and difficulty.
• The pupil is post-emergent, developing reading comprehension and writing skills in English.
• The pupil's literacy skills allow the student to demonstrate academic knowledge in content areas with assistance.

Level 4: Advanced Intermediate (WIDA Level - Expanding)

• The pupil understands and speaks conversational English without apparent difficulty, but understands and speaks academic English with some hesitancy.
• The pupil continues to acquire reading and writing skills in content areas needed to achieve grade level expectations with assistance.

Level 5: Advanced (WIDA Level = Bridging)

• The pupil understands and speaks conversational and academic English well.
• The pupil is near proficient in reading, writing, and content area skills needed to meet grade level expectations.
• The pupil requires occasional support.

Level 6: Formerly Limited-English Proficient/Now Fully English Proficient:

• The pupil was formerly limited-English proficient and is now fully-English proficient.
• The pupil reads, writes, speaks, and comprehends English within academic classroom settings.

Level 7: Fully-English Proficient/Never Limited-English Proficient:

The student was never classified as limited-English proficient and does not fit the definition of a limited-English proficient student outlined in either state or federal law.