CATOOSA

Title III – English Language Learner

What is an English Learner?

• Between the ages of 3 and 21
• Enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary or secondary school
• Not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English
• Comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual's level of English language proficiency;
• Has difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language sufficiently so it denies the individual: 
  • the ability to meet the state's proficient level of achievement on state assessments
  • the ability to successfully achieve in classrooms where the language of instruction in English
  • the opportunity to participate fully in society.

Source: Federal Public Law 107-110, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Title IX, General Provisions, Part A Definitions, Section 9101(25)

How are English Learners identified?
Students who meet the criteria of EL are identified through the Home Language Survey completed at the time of enrollment.

Once identified how does an EL student exit the program?
Once a student is identified as EL/LEP he or she cannot exit the program until achieving FEP (Full English Proficiency) on the ACCESS for ELs test. (Must earn a composite score of 5.0 and a literacy score of 4.5).

What happens when a student exits the program?
Once a student passes the ACCESS test he/she will be monitored for two years. The EL teacher will communicate with the student's classroom teachers to check on the student's academic progress. If needed, additional supports may be considered. Once a student exits the EL program accommodations on standardized tests can no longer be afforded.