Program Information

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is ESOL? 

The primary mission of the ESOL Department is to facilitate academic English language acquisition for students who have additional languages other than English in the home. This is achieved through ESOL instructional classes, push-in, and pull-out services in environments that are appropriate and the least restrictive for the student. The ESOL Department uses the WIDA Standards in conjunction with best practices in second language acquisition in order to provide the most beneficial learning environment possible for the student.  The ESOL Department also strives to promote multicultural awareness in schools and classrooms, facilitates communication between homes and schools (using translators and interpreters as needed),  and endeavors to engage parents with schools and the community. 

How are students identified? 

A Home Language Survey (HLS)  is completed at the time a parent or guardian registers their child for school. If a language other than, or in addition to, English is listed on the HLS,  the school's EL Teacher is notified and makes contact with the family to determine a student's eligibility for the program.  After a review of information, students who may be eligible for ESOL are assessed by an EL teacher with an approved state English Language Proficiency screening assessment. The results of the screener determine eligibility into the ESOL program. These results are  communicated to parents/guardians. 

Is participation required? 

Once parents receive assessment results, they may choose to accept or decline ESOL services/supports. Regardless if a parent has chosen to decline support, their child will still be assessed annually with the state approved English Language Proficiency assessment until they attain a score indicating English language proficiency.  Parents who have declined services may choose at any time to have their child receive services. 

How are students exited from the ESOL program? 

Each year, students who are eligible for services and support through the ESOL program are assessed with a state-mandated English Language proficiency Assessment. This assessment strives to ascertain students' proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking academic English.  When proficiency is demonstrated, students are exited from active ESOL services and enter a four year monitoring period. The current assessment used by the state is the ACCESS and the current overall score indicating English proficiency is a 4.5 or higher. 

What is Title III? 

Title III is a federal formula grant program that offers financial assistance to school districts to help ensure that English Learners have equitable access to all facets of a school's academic and social programming and that English Learners are able to meet the same challenging academic standards as their peers.