English Learners
The state of Wisconsin asks each school district to identify potential English Learners (EL) using a home language survey as part of school registration. Translated registration materials are made available in many languages. English Learners are defined as meeting any of the following criteria:
- Students whose first language is a language other than English.
- Students who communicate in a language other than English.
- Students whose families use a language other than English more than half of the time.
- Students who use a language other than English in daily non-school surroundings more than half of the time.
Children who meet any of the criteria above are screened using the state-approved materials. The screening determines the level of English proficiency: Entering (1), Beginning(2), Developing (3), Expanding (4), Bridging (5), and Reaching (6). After screening, if the child is not fully English proficient, a program of additional support in reading and writing the English language is determined.
The state provides the screening and annual testing tools to measure English growth.
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 the Winter 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. Once a student reaches a level 5 (Bridging), they are exited from the English language program. These students continue to be monitored for 2-3 years to ensure a successful transition away from extra language support.
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