Every January, our English learners in grades K through 8 take the Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS) test.

Your child is tested to determine his/her progress in learning English. The test is mandated by the federal government for all students who are identified as English Learners (ELs), whether they are receiving EL services or not receiving EL services.

Students are tested in all four language domains: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Teachers at your child’s school will administer testing for your child. Results from the test will assist us in planning instruction for your child. Once District 69 receives the results, you will be notified of your child’s performance. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s EL teacher or the school principal. Additional information regarding the ACCESS test can be found on the Wida Webpage.

EL exit criteria has been established by the Illinois State Board of Education. For students to be considered eligible for exit from EL services, they must obtain an overall composite proficiency level of 4.8. In addition to a student’s ACCESS score, we use NWEA, F&P, and Fastbridge data as well as feedback from teachers and parents to determine a student’s readiness to exit from EL services.

*Transitional Bilingual Education (Full Time TBE and Part Time TBE)*
Program Description: The Transitional Bilingual Education program is for non-native English speaking students who have difficulty with written or spoken English.  The program provides instruction in the student’s native language with a transition into English.  The program helps students to succeed in academic subjects and learn English.  The classes count toward graduation requirements.        

Instructional Goals: To meet academic achievement standards for grade promotion and to become proficient in English.

*Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI)*
Program Description: The Transitional Program of Instruction is for non-native English speaking students who have difficulty with written or spoken English. The program provides support to help students succeed in academic subjects and learn English.  The classes count toward graduation requirements.      

Instructional Goals: To meet academic achievement standards for grade promotion and to become proficient in English.

*Newcomer Program*
Program Description: The Newcomer Program is a short term program that teaches English and acculturation to U.S. schools, as well academic subjects.The Newcomer Program is for students who are recent immigrants to the United States, with limited English proficiency and limited education in their native countries.  Students attend special classes separate from native English-speaking students for a limited period of time.                                                                                  

Instructional Goals: To develop English language competence and academic skills and prepare students to succeed in U.S. schools.

When students are registered for school in District 69, parents complete a Home Language Survey. Students who have a language other than, or in addition to, English spoken at home, as indicated on the Home Language Survey, are screened by the EL staff using the Pre-IPT (PreK Students Only), MODEL  (K Students Only), or WIDA MODEL (Grades 1st-8th).

Children entering the first semester of kindergarten must score at least a 5.0 composite oral proficiency level on the WIDA MODEL to be considered English language proficient. A student who scores below this proficiency level is considered an English learner (EL) and is eligible for EL services.

Children entering the second semester of kindergarten or the first semester of 1st grade must score an overall composite proficiency level of 5.0 on the New WIDA MODEL Screener  to be considered English language proficient. A student who scores below this minimum proficiency levels is considered limited English proficient and is eligible for EL services.

Children entering the second semester of 1st grade through 8th grade must achieve an overall composite proficiency level of 5.0  on the WIDA MODEL to be considered English language proficient. A student who scores below this minimum proficiency levels is considered limited English proficient and is eligible for EL services.

Parents of students eligible for EL services will be notified by letter of their child’s eligibility and the EL program they will receive. If there are questions about the assessment results or the services offered, parents are encouraged to contact the EL staff at their child’s building.

At any time, a parent may decline EL services offered to their child. Parents must indicate this request in writing to their child’s EL teacher as well as set up a meeting with the District EL Coordinator. Students who are eligible for service, but who do not receive service per a parental request, must continue to take ACCESS annually until they earn a 4.8 composite, per the Illinois State Board of Education.