Frequently Asked Questions About ESL
Who participates in the ESL (English as a Second Language) program?
Students whose primary language is one other than English, or whose first learned language is one other than English, may qualify for the ESL program. To qualify, the student must have a level of English language proficiency below that of a native speaker in the language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A student's level of English language proficiency is determined by the test results of the ACCESS for ELLs assessment.
How does the school system know what my child's first language is?
Upon enrollment in any United States school system, the parent or guardian is asked to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). The following questions concerning a student's language are asked:
Is your first learned language anything other than English?
What is the first language you learned to speak?
What language do you speak most often?
What language is most often spoken in your home?
The school considers the child to be a NOM (National Origin Minority) if their first language is one other than English. The child's home language survey is given to the ESL teacher, who determines if further assessment of the child's English language proficiency is needed.
How does the school system determine my child's first language?
Upon enrollment in any United States school system, the parent or guardian is asked to complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). The following questions concerning a student's language are asked:
Is your first learned language anything other than English?
What is the first language you learned to speak?
What language do you speak most often?
What language is most often spoken in your home?
The school considers the child to be a NOM (National Origin Minority) if their first language is one other than English. The child's home language survey is given to the ESL teacher, who determines if further assessment of the child's English language proficiency is needed.
How does the ESL teacher assess my child's level of English proficiency?
The state of North Carolina has two approved English language proficiency assessment tests. The tests are scored, and the decision to place a student in the ESL program is made based on the state's scoring standards. The WIDA screener is an initial screening test and is used when no other English language proficiency test scores are available for the student. The test determines the student's eligibility for ESL services. The ACCESS for ELLs is the annual test used to determine the amount of progress the student has made during the year. It also determines the student's current level of English language proficiency. All ESL teachers are trained annually to administer the tests to ensure valid test results.
Why are the WIDA Screener and ACCESS for ELLs used for ESL testing?
In compliance with ESSA, all schools that receive Limited English Proficient funds must assess the English language proficiency levels of a student upon initially entering the school and during the annual state testing window. These assessments were chosen by North Carolina after investigating all of the assessment options available. If a student comes to North Carolina from a school whose state uses these same tests, then the student does not have to be retested. The ESL teacher contacts the previous school system for the scores, and the student can be placed immediately into the ESL program.
What are the different levels of English language proficiency?
Level 1 Entering: the student knows and uses minimal social language and minimal academic language with visual support.
Level 2 Emerging: the student knows and uses some social English and general academic language with visual support.
Level 3 Developing: the student knows and uses social English and some specific academic language with visual support.
Level 4 Expanding: the student knows and uses social English and some technical academic language.
Level 5 Bridging: the student knows and uses social and academic language, working with grade level material.
Level 6 Reaching: the student knows and uses social and academic language at the highest level measured by this test.
How does the ESL teacher use the results of the WIDA Screener and ACCESS for ELLs?
The ESL teacher uses the test results of the WIDA Screener to determine who is considered to be Limited English Proficient (LEP) and thus eligible to participate in the ESL program. The needs of the LEP student are analyzed, and the best possible service for the student is determined. The ESL teacher uses the results of the ACCESS for ELLs to measure the amount of progress/growth the student has made since the previous annual testing. These scores are also used for determining which type of accommodations the LEP student qualifies for on the state EOG and EOC tests. The LEP student's classroom teacher receives a 'snapshot' version of the child's proficiency levels, which is used to establish any modifications the student may need in the regular classroom.
What kinds of services will my child receive as part of the ESL program?
Wilkes County Schools strives to provide ESL services in the least restrictive manner possible. Therefore, a variety of services are offered to LEP students, which are dependent upon their level of English language proficiency. Types of services currently available to our LEP students are listed below:
Pull-out
ESL students are pulled from the regular classroom by the ESL teacher to work on improving his/her English language skills. The amount of time is determined by the student's individual needs and English proficiency levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This is required for Level 1 and 2 students and available for Level 3 students.
Push-in
The ESL teacher provides support to students in the content classroom. Language support is integrated into the curriculum content. The amount of time provided is determined by the student's individual needs and English Proficiency Level. This is available for Level 3 and 4 students and is highly recommended for any Level 4 student.
Monitored Support
Any student who scores a combination of level 5 Bridging and level 6 Reaching on the ACCESS for ELs subtests will not receive direct ESL services. The ESL teacher will consult with the regular classroom teacher concerning the student's academic progress. Should the need arise, consultative students may be brought back into direct ESL services to work on specific English language skills.
How will I know what kinds of ESL services my child will receive?
In accordance with federal legislation, Wilkes County Schools is required to inform parents in writing of the kind of ESL service a LEP child receives. The ESL teacher sends a "Notice of Eligibility" to the parents at the beginning of each school year detailing the information specific to each child. Parents will also receive a copy of their student's Limited English Proficiency Plan, which details services and test accommodations provided. If at any time a parent/guardian does not understand the information provided in any documents, he/she may contact the school and request a meeting with the ESL teacher or contact the Director of ESL.
What if I do NOT want my child to participate in the ESL program?
If you do not want your child to participate in the ESL program, then you may waive direct services for your child. An LEP student who has waived direct service is still considered LEP by the school system and may still qualify for testing accommodations on the EOG and EOC tests. The child is still reassessed each year using the ACCESS for ELLs, even though direct ESL services have been waived. The state of North Carolina requires that all LEP students' language proficiency be assessed annually until the child meets the state's exit criteria. If a parent does not wish for their child to receive direct ESL services, they may indicate this wish on the letter of eligibility. There is a box to mark and a place for the parent/guardian signature at the bottom of the letter. In this case, after the school receives this documentation, the school staff will consider the child waived from direct ESL services.
When is my child no longer eligible to participate in the ESL program?
In order to comply with state and federal requirements, every LEP student is reassessed annually with the appropriate level of the ACCESS for ELLs in January, February, and March. Any student who meets the state exit criteria will be exited from the ESL program and will no longer qualify for accommodations on the EOG and EOC tests. Parents are notified in writing of the child's exit from the ESL program. A copy of the exit form is placed in the student's cumulative folder and ESL folder.
The expected rate of transition, or the average amount of time Wilkes County Schools expects a LEP student to be enrolled in the ESL program, is 3 -5 years. Please keep in mind that this is an average time. Some students may exit the program in less time, while other students may remain in the program for a longer period of time to complete their acquisition of English. Please contact your child's ESL teacher if you have questions about his/her enrollment time in the ESL program.
Are testing accommodations available to LEP students?
Some LEP students may qualify for testing accommodations based on their most current ACCESS or WIDA Screener scores. These accommodations may be used on local assessments as well as the state End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests.
The ESL teacher will meet with the classroom teacher, and together they will make recommendations for testing accommodations for the student. Parents are then notified in writing of the recommendations. If the parent/guardian disagrees with any of the recommendations, he/she may contact the school to speak with the principal, ESL teacher, regular classroom teacher, or the testing coordinator. If the testing accommodations are refused, the child will take the EOG/EOC without accommodations.
What are the rights of ESL parents?
As a parent/guardian, you have certain rights regarding your child's participation in the ESL program:
- You have the right to decline participation for your child in the ESL program. At any time, you may request that your child opt out of the ESL program. It will be noted that your child should not receive direct ESL services. However, your child will still be considered LEP, based upon his proficiency levels, and may still qualify for testing accommodations. If you have declined direct ESL services, Wilkes County Schools is still required by the state of North Carolina to test your child during the annual LEP testing window in February and March. You may request that your student be placed back in the ESL program at any time.
- You have the right to get help in choosing a program and making decisions about your child's education. If you have questions, please contact your school so the ESL teacher can schedule a meeting with you to discuss the options available to your child.
What if there are additional questions or more information is needed?
If you have questions or would like more information about your child's participation in the Wilkes County Schools ESL program, please contact your child's principal, ESL teacher, or the Director of English as a Second Language at (336) 667-1121.