Teacher Resources

Guidelines for Grading ELLs:

• Teachers should modify/differentiate instruction, assignments, and assessments based on EL’s English language proficiency. It is also appropriate to offer accommodations and alternative assignments or assessments.

• Students should not receive grades of D or F based on lack of English proficiency. EL students should not receive grades of D or F unless their lack of performance on modified instruction warrants such grades, for example, not completing modified assignments, not turning in modified assignments, or not making satisfactory progress on modified assignments.

• ELs should receive grades based on accommodations or modified/alternative assignments appropriate to the student’s language proficiency level, and receive the same report card that is used in general education.

• ELs should receive report card grades based on assignments and assessments modified to address student’s language proficiency level.

• Grades for classes in which the ESL teacher provides push-in services should be determined collaboratively by the ESL and general education teacher(s).

• ELs may not be penalized for missing work in the general education classroom for time that they are pulled for ESL support services.

Helpful Guidelines for Teachers of ELLs