Program Overview

Identification:

A child is eligible for English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in our district program if:

1. They have a home language other than or in addition to English listed on the MNLS (Minnesota Language Survey.)

2. Results of language tests and teacher recommendations about language skills.

Services and Assessment:

• • The goal of the ESL program is to support children in their classroom learning as well as help them to gain skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing academic English, the language needed for success in school. Students will receive a combination of ESL pull-out instruction and/or modifications In the classroom.

  • Students will also take an annual test in the Spring required by the state of Minnesota that will indicate their proficiency level in English and continued need for ESL services.

Exiting the Program:

• Every student learns language at a different pace so there is no set time limit on the length of their involvement in the ESL program.

• A student can exit the ESL program when they have achieved a composite score of at least 4.5 on the ACCESS for ELLS test and at least a 3.5 in each of the 4 areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening.)