Question 1

Mission

Accepted Answer

The mission of the Goodhue County Education District EL program is to: 1) support student proficiency to the point where English Learner services are no longer needed; 2) while serving as a link among the school, students, and parents; 3) and promoting general academic success.

Question 2

Programming

Accepted Answer

EL instruction focuses on the explicit teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, through content. Our model is a combination of pull-out and push-in services, with a focus on the development of academic language and skills. The total amount of EL instruction varies according to the students' needs.   EL instruction is informed by theories of language acquisition, current pedagogy, and current materials. The State of Minnesota's standards for English Language development, students' ACCESS scores, together with formative and summative assessments guide EL teachers' instruction and provide a touchstone for collaboration with mainstream staff. EL teachers focus on literacy and specialized vocabulary and academic language in the content areas. Paraprofessionals support the instruction EL teachers provide according to student needs.

All ELs, including those who receive Special Education services, may receive English Language Development instruction from a licensed EL teacher. ELs may receive other support services such as Title I. The service an EL receives from EL teachers will depend on the following criteria: the student's proficiency level, previous schooling and the amount of time in the United States, and current academic achievement level. EL staff collaborate with personnel from other district support services such as Special Education, Title I, intervention services, and gifted and talented. When appropriate, these services are combined with the EL student's general education program and EL services. For example, a student can receive both EL services and Title I service. Consideration is given to the student's individual need and access to the general education curriculum and standards.

Question 3

Translation and Interpretation

Accepted Answer

The Goodhue County Education District offers local school district staff the ability to use LangaugeLine for interpretation services. LanguageLine provides phone-based interpretation in multiple languages and can be accessed by any local school district staff member. Families and community members can request that the school use LanguageLine to facilitate effective communication.

For specific translation requests, please contact the school EL teacher for more information and options.

Question 4

Parent Notification

Accepted Answer

The Goodhue County Education District and the local school districts recognize that parents are an integral part of students’ educational program. There are many ways for parents to be involved in our schools and programs.  Schools communicate with parents regularly via newsletter, website, curriculum nights, and PTA meetings. Teachers hold biannual formal parent-teacher conferences in addition to communicating by phone and email as needed.

Question 5

Parent Meetings

Accepted Answer

Meetings for parents of ELs are held at least annually.  At these meetings, parents are informed about the program, and are invited to give input.  In addition, teachers provide strategies for working with their children at home to support their academic achievement.

Question 6

Entrance Criteria

Accepted Answer

As part of the registration process, all families registering a child in their local school district complete a Home Language Questionnaire. This questionnaire identifies students who need to be assessed to determine if they qualify for services in the EL Program.

Once the need to assess a student for EL services has been determined, an EL teacher administers developmentally appropriate assessments to determine service qualification. Possible assessment measures include an oral interview, writing samples, a newcomer screening, W-APT, and previous standardized test scores.

Question 7

Exit Criteria

Accepted Answer

Students exit the EL program when they are deemed to have achieved a level of English Language proficiency that allows them to be successful without the support of English Language instruction. The following are the specific exit criteria for each grade range: 1. Student received a Cumulative score of 5.0 or higher on the ACCESS Proficiency test with at least a minimum of 4.0 on each subgroup (Listening, speaking, reading, writing). 2. Student scores on STAR reading and math show they are at grade-level. 3. Grades received in mainstream classes are at a C average or above (at secondary level). 4. Writing sample demonstrates content and style appropriate for grade level peers. 5. Social behavior and confidence is appropriate for mainstream. 6. Parents have been informed of student’s exit from the ESL program.

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