1. Parent Notification for New and Continuing ESL Program Students ---------- Elementary 2013-2014

2. AGENDA Welcome & Introductions Title One – No Child Left Behind Act Reasons for ESL identification & need for placement in ESL Student’s level of English proficiency: WIDA ACCESS – Parent Report Student’s academic achievement Methods of ESL instruction How ESL will meet educational strengths and needs of student How ESL program will help your child learn English and academic content ESL Program exit requirements Exiting the Primary Program Expected rate of transition to English only classrooms, without support Parental role

3. ESL at __________ Elementary  ESL Teachers:  ESL Instructor:  ESL Resource Teacher:  Principal:  Assistant Principal:  School Counselor:

4. Why were my child’s English skills tested? The law requires that language minority students be identified and their English proficiency assessed. Students are identified by the Home Language Survey on the Enrollment Form

5. Who is Limited English Proficient? Placement test [W-APT] is administered at ESL Intake If your child scores less than fully English proficient in any of the four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing he or she qualifies for ESL services Parent notification takes place. The parent decides if your child will participate in the ESL program.

6. What is my child’s level of English proficiency? In January 2007 we began giving the ACCESS test to determine your child’s progress and proficiency in English. ACCESS tests students in the four language domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing Students are also tested in the language of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

7. WIDA ACCESS ACCESS is given to students according to their English language development ACCESS is given in three TIERS [levels] Students are placed into three different Tiers according to their language development: Tier A Tier B Tier C Students that took the ACCESS test in January receive their results in the mail at your home. Goal is fluency.

9. How does my child learn English? ESL students may have instruction in an ESL classroom with a specially trained teacher. Students are expected to learn same content and meet same standards as native English speakers. Some native language support may be provided. ESL students spend most of the day in the regular classroom. ESL teacher may teach the ESL students in their classroom.

10. How does the ESL program help my child? Specially trained teachers Some native language support Small groups Special materials like the Rigby On Our Way to English Program Support in your child’s classroom

11. How does my child exit ESL? When your child obtains a 5.0 or higher on the overall score and a 4.0 or higher in literacy on the ACCESS test then he/she is no longer considered Limited English Proficient and you will be notified.

12. Exiting Primary Program Primary program is a 4 to 5 year program. (Primary 1 – Primary 5) Students are given an extra year in primary when needed [P5]. This is not a retention, but an extra year for students to learn the skills needed to be successful in the 4 th and 5 th grades.

13. How fast will my child learn English? Attendance in school Previous schooling Support from home Practicing English Skills at home Child’s motivation READ, READ, READ.

14. How can parents help? Ask your child about school. Show interest. Read daily. Call us with questions: (485- ) Check your child’s homework. Visit school. Have your child sleep, exercise, & eat healthy food. Make sure your child comes to school everyday.

15. THANK YOU! We are honored to be the teachers of your children. Thank you for being here. Being a parent is the biggest challenge you have in life with the biggest reward. We are here to work with you.