Steps Following Identification and Parent Notification

Once a student has been identified as eligible to receive language instruction through the ESOL Program, the parent must be notified of the decision in a language the parent can understand within 30 days of enrollment at the start of the school year.

This is a federal requirement per ESEA/ESSA Sec. 3113(b)(2), which states: a student who may be an English Learner must be assessed for such status within 30 days of enrollment in a school in the state. A SEA (state educational agency) should also have procedures in place to identify in a timely manner EL students who may not have been identified during this initial identification period. A SEA should make every effort to identify students who are EL students as soon as possible to provide timely support for students who may be in need of language services; and ESEA/ESSA Sec.1112(e)(3), which states: parents must be notified within 30 days of enrollment at the start of the school year that their child was placed in a language instruction educational program. Therefore, for students that enroll after the beginning of the school year, there are 30 days for identification and placement into an EL language instruction program to provide parent notice, consistent with the statute.

• The Initial Notification of Eligibility for English to Speakers of Other Languages letter (translated letters available) is the document approved by the District for notification.

• The Continuing Notification of Eligibility for English to Speakers of Other Languages letter (translated letters available) must be sent to parents annually within the required time frame.

APS provides information to parents in a language that they can understand, to the extent practicable. Interpretation services for scheduled meetings are available at no cost to parents.

Note: District parent notification documents are available in Project ELL.