Program Information

How was my student identified as an English learner?

Every student entering the Dedham Public Schools is given a Home Language Survey in a language that is comprehensible to him/her.

If the results of the survey indicate a first language other than English, the student is referred to the ESL teacher for language proficiency testing. The district currently administers the WIDA Model test to assess the student’s English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In addition to proficiency testing, teachers also look at previous school records, if available.

If the student tests as non-proficient in English, (s)he is enrolled in the district’s English Language Learner Program. Service delivery time is determined by the level of proficiency. Students are placed in small groups for direct English language instruction.

What if I don't want my student to participate in the program?

Parents may inform the district of their intention to have their child “opt out” of English language servicing. If the parents do this, the district must inform the parents of the services the student would have received had they remained in the program. The district must also meet the student’s English language and academic needs, even though they are not part of the program. These students will still be considered ELs (English learners) and will be assessed annually to determine the student’s English proficiency level. Parents will be notified of the results of the testing.

How often does my student see the ELL teacher?

Service delivery hours are based on the overall score that a student receives on the annual WIDA Access test.

In general:

Students at Levels 1 and 2 will receive 90 minutes of ESL instruction daily.

Students at Levels 3, 4, and 5 will receive 45 minutes of instruction daily

How often is my student's English proficiency assessed?

After students enter the program, they are assessed every winter using the ACCESS for ELLs tests. These results will be sent to you before the end of the school year.

Does my student have to take additional state tests?

Yes, English Learners must participate in the MCAS or PARCC tests that are scheduled for their grade. The only exception applies to English learners who are in their first year of enrollment in a U.S. school. First year students are those that enrolled in school in the U.S. after March 1 of the previous school year. Schools can decide whether or not to test first year students in the English Language Arts part of the test. All English learners, including first-year students, must participate in the Mathematics and Science & Technology tests.

How long will my student be in the ELL program?

It depends! In general, a student is ready to leave the program when he or she scores a 5 on each section of the ACCESS for ELLs tests and when classroom abilities are comparable to those of native English speakers. The decision to exit is made in consultation with classroom teachers, ELL teachers, school administrators and families.

What happens after my student leaves the ELL program?

ELL teachers continue to follow the progress of former ELLs for four years. If your student is struggling academically, it is possible to reenter the program at any time during those four years.

What language should I speak with my student at home?

At home, you should speak the language you speak best. For most families, that is the language of their home country. We consider bilingualism to be an asset to students. Students will be not confused by speaking more than one language and, in fact, it is beneficial to their brains. For more information, check out this video!