EL Learner Identification

The Colorado Department of Education gives us the following guidance concerning the identification of EL learners. 

The district will use the WIDA Screener to assess the English language proficiency of all students enrolled in its schools that have a language other than English spoken in the home.  Based on the results and a body of evidence (BOE), each student will be identified as Non-English Proficient (NEP) or Limited English Proficient (LEP).  Program placement and instructional decisions will be based on the student’s English language proficiency designation and the BOE. When parents/guardians indicate on the Home Language Survey (HLS) that there is a language other than English present in the home or if educators notice evidence of a primary or home language other than English, the student will be tested using the WIDA Screener.  A parent may decline ELD services, but cannot decline the English learner designation.  If a student is not identified as an English learner they are not eligible for ELD services. To ensure an equitable identification process for all students, all students must follow the same process. This process includes, but is not limited to foreign exchange, migrant, refugee, home school, online, charter and adopted students. 

MCSD EL Student Identification Process