Eligibility for the Program

Identification of English Learners 

Upon registering with Lexington Public Schools, parents or guardians of new students complete a home language survey. Students who speak or are exposed to a language other than English are assessed to determine their English proficiency level. The results of this assessment are used to determine eligibility for the English Language Education Program and related services.

Students in grade K are assessed using the WIDA Screener, which evaluates listening and speaking. Students in grades 1-12 are assessed using the WIDA Screener, which evaluates speaking, reading, and writing skills appropriate for each grade level. Preschool students are assessed at school using the PreK Identification Screening Tool provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which evaluates listening and speaking skills. Students in grades K-12 are assessed at Central during summer registration or at their respective schools during the academic year.

Additionally, students may be tested in other content areas, such as math, to ensure appropriate placement. Identified English learners are eligible for ESL instruction and are placed in content classrooms where the teacher is trained or is receiving training in instructional strategies to enhance lesson comprehensibility. ESL teachers administer the annual ACCESS for ELLs assessment to monitor English learners' progress until they meet the criteria for reclassification.