Seymour Public Schools follows a standardized process to identify students who may qualify for English learner (EL) / Multilingual Learner (ML) services, in accordance with federal and state guidelines. The identification process consists of the following four steps:

STEP 1: Administer the Home Language Survey (HLS)

If this is the first time the student has been enrolled in a Connecticut public school, the family must be given a Home Language Survey (HLS), that is printed on yellow paper. If the student is transferring to our district from another Connecticut public school, schools are responsible for acquiring the HLS from the previous school. The HLS must be retained in the student’s cumulative folder. The HLS includes the following questions:

• What is the primary language used in the home, regardless of the language spoken by the student?

• What is the language most often spoken by the student?

• What is the language that the student first acquired?

This survey helps the district determine whether a student may need further evaluation for English language proficiency.

STEP 2: Review HLS Results

Designated school or district personnel will review the responses to the HLS to determine whether there is a potential need for language support services.

STEP 3: Administer English Language Proficiency Assessment- LAS Links

If the HLS indicates that a language other than English is used at home or was the student’s first language, the district will administer a state-approved English Language Proficiency screener- preLAS or LAS Links, to assess the student’s current English proficiency. The screener will be administered within 30 days of enrollment at the beginning of the school year or 2 weeks if the student enrolls during the school year.

STEP 4: Notify Parents/Guardians of ML Identification

Once students are determined to be eligible for EL/ML services, parents will be notified of their eligibility. They will also be provided with a copy of the Parent Bill of Rights for English Learners/Multilingual Learners in their dominant language. Families may opt out of EL/ML services, but they may not opt out of the annual English language proficiency assessment. 

Resources

Seymour Home Language Survey

CSDE ML/EL Identification Flowchart

CSDE English Learner/Multilingual Learner Identification Process