English Learners
The state of Wisconsin asks each school district to identify potential English Learners (EL) using a registration survey. English Learners are defined as meeting any of the following criteria:
- Pupils who communicate in a language other than English.
- Pupils whose families use a language other than English.
- Pupils who use a language other than English in daily non-school surroundings.
Children who meet any of criteria above are screened using the state-approved materials. The screening determines the level of English proficiency. (The Proficiency levels (Entering, Beginning, Developing, Expanding, Bridging, and Reaching) are defined on the lower portion of the web page)
The state provides the screening and annual testing tools to measure English growth.
Process
After screening, if the child is not fully English proficient, a program of additional support in reading and writing the English language is determined.
Program
The Fox Point-Bayside School District provides support for students who have English language learning needs. English language learning support is offered during the school day, in addition to, not in place of, the regular instructional program. Students often work within their regular classroom instruction on their reading, writing and English grammar development.
EL Annual Testing
In January and February of each school year, children identified as English Learners take the Wisconsin K-12 English Language Proficiency test named ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State). The main purpose of this test is to help teachers, parents, and students better understand a student’s development of English language proficiency on an annual basis.
Listening and reading are measured using multiple choice questions. Speaking is measured through one-on-one assessment that allows students to show their English skills at the different language proficiency levels. For writing, each student receives three or four writing tasks.
Parents receive an annual spring report on their child’s developing English Language Proficiency.
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