Frequently Asked Questions

How does my child qualify for the ELE program?

All students entering Weston Public Schools whose home language includes a language other than English on the Home Language Survey must be tested for English language proficiency. (G.L.c.71A, sec. 4,5 – “The district has procedures that actively seek to identify limited English proficient students.” – Coordinated Program Review Procedures –Massachusetts Department of Education).  

·      Oral interview of students and parents when more information is needed

·      Review of previous school records

·      WIDA Screener (K-12) is used to determine the academic English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

·      Feedback from classroom teachers when students show English language difficulty in the regular classroom.

What if I need translation?

You should request translated documents and or interpreters for meetings on the Home Language Survey. The questions read, “Will you require written information from school in your native language?” and " Will you require an interpreter/translator at Parent-Teacher meetings?" If you respond "yes" to either of these questions, the ELE department will provide these to you. Additionally, you have the right to request translation or interpretation for meetings and conferences at any time. Call or email Shannon Sheldon, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator to ask for an interpreter: Shannon Sheldon, sheldons@weston.org (781)786-5228

When do I meet my child’s teacher?

You might meet your English learner’s teacher when they enroll for school, but you should also attend Back-to-School Night in the fall. You will be notified of the date and time of your child’s Back-to-School Night, and it will also be listed in the school calendar. This is a great opportunity to meet all of your child’s teachers. You will also meet parents of other children in the class. It is not a time to meet one-on-one with the teacher and talk about your child.

Is it OK to request a meeting with the teacher? 

You can always request a meeting with any of your child’s teachers at any time. At the middle school, on certain “first Wednesdays,” you can register for a meeting with any teacher after school through an online system called SignUp Genius. At the elementary schools, parents will sign up for a parent-teacher conference at back-to-school night. 

How do I ask for my child’s ELE teacher to be involved in a meeting at school?

You can request that your child’s ELE teacher be present at any meeting at school if you think their support would be valuable.   Email the ELE teacher with the following information:

·    Date, time and location of the meeting

·    Your child’s name

·    Teacher you are meeting with

·    Reason for the meeting

Example: “I am the parent of (your child’s name). I have a meeting on (date) at (time) in Room (Number) at the School with (teacher) because (reason). I would like you to be present at the meeting with me. Thank you.“

How do I learn about my child’s progress?

Every January/early February all English learners in Massachusetts take the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0. This assessment tests academic English language skills in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Also, all public school students in grades 3-12 take MCAS in the spring. These assessments test ELA, Math, Science and Technology/Engineering. The specific tests given depend on the grade level.

Elementary ELE progress reports are sent home twice a year with report cards. Middle and High School ELs receive credit for their ELE course, and a grade is recorded for the class on their regular report cards. In addition, students will receive a detailed report from their ELE teacher annually. The ELE progress report sent home at the end of the year includes recommendations for ELE services for the following year.