Program Evaluation

Evaluating the effectiveness of the LIEP

The LEA is not free to persist in an LIEP which, although it may have been "appropriate" when adopted, in the sense that there were sound expectations for success and bona fide efforts to make the program work, has, in practice, proved ineffective. To this end, LEAs must employ a method to evaluate their LIEPs for effectiveness and make any changes necessary based on the evaluation.

Evaluations of LIEPs must be conducted at least annually and the results documented and reported to the state through the English Learner Reporting System (ELRS). Determinations to make changes to an LIEP based on program evaluations may be made annually, although a LEA may allow more time for a program to produce positive results before taking action as long as that time is reasonable based on the program design and expected outcomes.

Evaluations must be based on student outcomes rather than program inputs. For example, a program evaluation may not be based on the number of hours that teachers collaborate each week, the amount of funds spent on resources, or the implementation of a particular intervention or support. A program evaluation should include evidence of student growth toward proficiency in English and academic achievement.

FCASD ESL Program Evaluation

The Fox Chapel Area School District conducts an annual assessment of the ESL Program using the Title III Program Review monitoring rubric. Evidence of compliance is gathered annually.

Annual Student Progress

FCASD conducts regular assessments in content areas. Students are expected to make adequate yearly growth on learning goals. Supports are in place to assist students who do not show regular growth. Annual assessment in Language proficiency also helps determine program effectiveness. The expectation is that students will exit the program within the State mandated requirements based upon levels of proficiency.

Curriculum Review

The district conducts regular review of curricular materials to determine the best resources for supporting English Learners (ELs).

Program Adjustments

Annual adjustments to programs based upon program review, student learning growth on standardized assessment, curricular review and teacher input on learning goals.