English Learners (EL)

What is an English Learner (EL)?

An EL, or English Learner, is a student who:

● is aged 3 through 21, whose home or native language is other than English, and

● whose current limitations in the ability to understand, speak, read or write English impact their effective participation in their school education programs.

● ELs may be immigrants or refugees born in another country or they may be born in the United States living in homes where another language besides (or in addition to) English is spoken.

What criteria should be used to qualify a student for English Learner services?

● A language other than English must be indicated on the Home Language Survey.

● If the Home Language Survey indicates a history of a language other than English, the student must be assessed for his/her English proficiency using an approved assessment. USD 290 utilizes the Online IPT Assessment.

● If the Online IPT Assessment determines that the student is limited in any domain of English proficiency (listening, speaking, reading, writing, or a composite of the four domains), that student must receive EL services by a “qualified” teacher. Students who score “proficient/fluent” on the Online IPT Assessment are not eligible for EL services.

For more information regarding English Learners in the state of Kansas, visit: https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Career-Standards-and-Assessment-Services/Content-Area-A-E/English-Learners

For questions regarding the EL programming for USD 290, please contact Joseph Vitt at vittj@usd290.org or 785-229-8010.