The following process occurs at the placement center located in Central Office. Enrollment must be completed within ten days:

Screening

The parents complete the Home Language Questionnaire (HLQ). Based on the responses, a Certified New York State Bilingual Teacher or an English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher determines if there is a language other than English spoken at home.

When another language is spoken at home, the teacher conducts an individual interview. The interview is a short language screening which provides the teacher with insights into the student’s exposure to both the home language and to English.

From the HLQ and the Individual Interview the teacher can decide to:

·   Administer the New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL)

·   Mark Child as English Proficient.

·   Refer students with special needs to the Language Proficiency Team (LPT) who will schedule a meeting with the family.

 For more questions on the HLQ and the Individual Interview, please use the following link:

http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/bilingual-ed/hlqguidance_final.pdf

Student with Special Needs

The LPT will meet with the family following procedures from CR Part 154-3. Based on evidence gathered from Interviews, observations, and documentation, the LPT can recommend to:

·   Proceed with administration of NYSITELL

·   Exempt students from NYSITELL

For more information on LPT: http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/154-3-guidance_final_2_16_18.pd-a.pdf

The LPT report will remain in the student’s cumulative record. The parent/ guardian of the student who is also a member of the LPT can agree or disagree with the recommendation, and has 45 school days to appeal the determination.

For more information on SIFE, please visit: http://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/students-interruptedinconsistent-formal-education-sife

Students with Interrupted/ Inconsistent Formal Education (SIFE)

During the process of registration and enrollment, the Language Assessment and Placement Center (LAPC) will interview the family for school history. Based on the Interview it will be determined if student should be tested for SIFE. Based on testing results, student would qualify for SIFE services.

Identification and Placement

The purpose of the NYSITELL is to formally assess and identify potential English Language Learners. Students who score at the levels of: Entering, Emerging, Transitioning, and Expanding, are eligible for services.  After the parent/ guardian is notified of the student’s test results and level of proficiency, they will be offered Bilingual Education Programs, as well as the option of ENL only. The Parent/ guardian can choose the program that best fits the student’s needs. If a parent is in disagreement with the student’s ELL designation, they can request a district review within 45 days. For more information, see ELL ID chart and Accompanying Guidance Document

       For more information on identification and placement:

    http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/nysitell/2018/nysitellguide18rev.pdf

Appeal Process of ELL Identification Determination

Within 45 days of identification as an ELL, a parent/guardian, teacher, or student aged 18 or older can initiate a Review of ELL identification determination.  The district has 10 days to make a decision (time is extended up to 20 days if CSE is consulted). Parents will be informed of the decision in writing, and documentation related to the change in ELL designation are be kept in student’s cumulative records. 

Parent Orientation Sessions

RCSD is required to provide parents of ELLs with an orientation session regarding relevant details of the student’s placement, district policies, procedures, curriculum and assessments. If the parents are unable to attend the orientation, the student will be placed in a program by the Placement Center within 10 school days of enrolling. Parent/ guardian must receive written notification of their child’s ELL program placement in Bilingual Education or English as a New Language (ENL) program. This notification is required to be signed by a parent/ guardian within 10 days. The parent retains the right to make a final decision regarding the placement of their child in a BE program or ENL program.

Parent Notification Letters

Parents/guardians must be notified promptly regarding a student's assessment results and English Language Learner status.  OBEWL has created a series of parent notification letter templates, translated into multiple languages that must be used to communicate with parents/guardians regarding a student's status.  You may use the fill-in fields or recreate the letters on your district letterhead. All letters can be found using this source link.