Eligibility

How does a student qualify for English Learner (EL) services?

1. Home Language Survey

When a child enrolls in a Washington state school, the family fills out the Home Language Survey as part of the online enrollment process. This survey is available in many languages.

2. Placement Screener

If the answer to question #2 or #3 on the Home Language Survey is a language other than English, the student is given an English language placement screener within 10 days of attendance. The screener assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing.

3. Results of Placement Screener

Students in grade K and 1, must achieve an overall score of 4.5 and a minimum of a 4 in each domain (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to be determined ineligible for services.

Students in grades 2-12 must achieve an overall score of 5 and a minimum of a 4 in each domain to be determined ineligible for services.

Parents will be notified by letter if their child qualifies for EL services.

How are language skills monitored?

Students who qualify for EL services will take an annual assessment in February or March each year.

The assessment is called the annual WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS English language proficiency assessment.

It is a computer-based assessment that assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

The assessment will show each student’s language growth and current proficiency level.

How do students exit the program?

Students who score proficient on the annual assessment will not continue to receive EL services the following school year.

The student will be monitored to ensure the student is meeting standards.