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Why was my child screened for EL services?
When you register your child for school in District 96, a Home Language Survey (example to the left) is included in the paperwork you fill out. The Home Language Survey asks two questions. 1. Is a language other than English spoken in your home? 2. Does your child speak a language other than English? By answering yes to either of these questions, you are giving permission for the district to screen your child for EL services. You should only check yes to another language being spoken in your home when your child is regularly exposed to a language other than English.
How was it determined that my child qualified for EL services?
All students who have yes checked on either question of the Home Language Survey will be screened to see if they qualify for EL services. There are two screeners used in District 96, WIDA MODEL and WIDA screener
WIDA Screener:
The WIDA Screener is an English language proficiency assessment given to incoming students in Grades K–12 to assist educators with the identification of students as English language learners (ELLs). The purpose of this assessment is to help educators make decisions about whether a student is a candidate for English language support services.
If the student scores below a 5.0 on the the screener, they qualify for EL services.
What are the different types of programs offered for EL students?
There are three types of EL programs offered in District 96, TPI, TBE and Part-Time TBE.
TPI and Part-Time TBE:
Provides English language support for students in the areas of academic vocabulary, reading and writing. In order to qualify for TPI or Part-Time TBE, students must have a qualifying score on MODEL or the WIDA screener. This program is offered for 30-60 minutes a day, depending on the students needs. Services may be provided by either the EL teacher going into the classroom or bringing the students to the EL room for a small group lesson.
Full-Time TBE:
Provides bilingual services, for students who qualify, to promote biliteracy in both Spanish and English. Students receive instruction in Spanish, as well as English, to ensure the students is able to read and write in both languages. In order to qualify for Full-Time TBE, students must have a qualifying score on MODEL or the WIDA screener as well as pass a Spanish proficiency test. This program is offered for 30-60 minutes a day, depending on the students needs. All Full-Time TBE Spanish services are provided in a small group, outside of the classroom. TBE English services may be provided by either push-in to the classroom or an additional pull-out session in a small group.
What is the ACCESS test?
The ACCESS test is a English language proficiency assessment administered to Kindergarten through 12th grade students who have been identified as English language learners (ELLs). It is given annually (usually it is given in January) to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English. All students who have qualified for EL services are required to take this test until they test out of the EL program.
How does my child exit ACCESS?
To exit the ACCESS test (and the EL program) the students must score a 4.8 or above on the ACCESS test.
If I refuse services, will my child be tested with ACCESS?
Yes, your child will be tested every year until he/she meets exit criteria established by the state of Illinois.
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