Program Description

The English Learner (EL) Program at Cambridge-Isanti Schools was developed using state and federal guidelines and professional input to support English Language Learner (ELL) students who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL).

The main goal of the EL program is to provide students who are learning English with the support they need to reach their fullest potential in school. Licensed EL teachers, in collaboration with classroom and content area teachers, work to provide grade-appropriate learning in all academic coursework while developing their English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. EL teachers also provide consultation support to classroom teachers, support staff, and students based on each student's English language learning needs. In addition, teachers provide support to families of EL students.

EL students are monitored and assessed to determine their progress in the classroom and English language acquisition. Test data, in conjunction with teacher and parental input, determine the necessity and level of EL service.

All students learn and acquire English at various rates depending on age, native literacy, and time in the country. On average, students will be in an EL program for three to five years. Initially, most students receive direct instruction. Direct instruction comprises a mix of individual or small group pullout instruction to support English development. The EL teacher may also work in the classroom with a student or small group of EL students to support their learning.

Students are exited from the EL program, and will no longer receive service from the EL teacher, when they are considered 'at grade level' and pass the WIDA-ACCESS 2.0 with an overall score of 4.5 or higher. The state of Minnesota requires that exited students are monitored or checked on by EL teachers for four years and that satisfactory progress is being made without EL program support.

Demographics & Graduation Rates of ELs:

Cambridge-Isanti Public Schools service EL students from various countries around the world. Students at Cambridge-Isanti High School, who received EL service, have a 100% graduation rate as of 2018!

EL Identification Procedures:

In order to be eligible for EL services, the Minnesota Department of Education states that a child must:

1) have a home language other than English, and

2) be determined by developmentally appropriate measures to lack the English skills to participate to their fullest in their classroom.

Parent Notification:

Families are required to be notified in a language they can understand within 10 days of receiving EL service. This is required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Parents reserve the right to refuse EL service for their child. Refusal must be done in writing every year.

Please note: If your child does not participate in our district’s English Learner Services, he/she will still be required to take the annual ACCESS 2.0 test in February/March of every year.

In addition to requesting permission to service the EL student, law requires parents to be notified of EL services their child will receive and specific requirements to exit the program.

For more information about the Minnesota Department of Education guidelines and legal requirements, please visit the Minnesota Department of Education website for the English Learner Education Program Guidelines link below.

(https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/el/)