Questions?

Connections!

How are all school districts required to help students learn English?

School districts must ensure that students with limited English proficiency are able to participate meaningfully in school and are not denied access to equal educational opportunities. Since knowing and using English well is necessary for success in school, it is important that students who need additional help learning English get the help they need. For more information on the required supports for English Learners, please see the following guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction:

Supports for English Learners

How do students qualify for a district’s English language development program?

When students enroll in school, parents are asked “What language did your child learn first?” Or “What language does your child use the most at home?” If the answer is a language other than English, the student takes the English Screener known as WIDA Screener.

How long do students receive services through the district’s English language development program?

Students continue to receive assistance until they transition by testing Proficient on the ELPA-21. The types of supports provided to students adjusts as the child develops English proficiency and can access grade level material.

The WIDA and ELPA-21 assessments are explained on the OSPI assessment page

Do parents have the right to decline services?

Yes, parents can choose to remove their children from the English Language Development program. However, parents should first discuss this decision with an administrator who can explain the benefits of participation in the program. Parents should also ask about the programs and methods of instruction available at the district. Parents have the right to choose another program or method of instruction, if available.

How can parents be involved in a district’s English language development program?

All districts are required to inform parents how they can be active participants in assisting their children to learn English, to achieve high levels in core academic subjects, and to meet the same academic standards that all students are expected to meet.

Similarly, districts ask for parent input into the program or method of instruction used in the English language development program and into the district’s Title III plan.

If you would like to know more about parent involvement, English language development or WIDA, contact your school’s English Learner Specialist or the Migrant and Bilingual Coordinator: Heidi LaMare at hlamare@be.wednet.edu