IHBEB English Language Literacy and Fluency

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LITERACY AND FLUENCY

In accordance with Massachusetts law governing the education of limited English proficient students, teachers in English language classrooms are required to be “fluent and literate in English.” English language classrooms encompass both sheltered English immersion classrooms and English language mainstream classrooms. The regulations do not require that teachers in classrooms other than English language classrooms (e.g. bilingual education and foreign language classrooms) meet these English literacy and fluency requirements, however in Wayland it is a strong preference that they do.

The Superintendent signs an assurance that all teachers in English language classrooms are literate and fluent in English.

Literacy in English is determined by evidence of one of the following:

• possession of Massachusetts teaching license or vocational approval

• earned a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university where the language of instruction was English

• passed the Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Test

Fluency in English is defined as having oral proficiency in English that consists of comprehension and production. Production is defined as accurate and efficient oral communication using appropriate pronunciation, intonation, grammar, and vocabulary in an interactive professional context. Fluency in English is determined by evidence of one of the following:

• classroom observation and assessment by the teacher’s supervisor, Principal, and/or Superintendent

• an interview and assessment by the teacher’s supervisor, Principal, and/or Superintendent which may occur during the hiring process

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. c.71A, sections 1-8; 603 CMR 14.05

APPROVAL DATE: February 27, 2012