How do we identify a student as an English Learner?
Federal and state policies require our district to assess the English language proficiency (ELP) of all students who are influenced by another language at home. Students whose responses to the language questions presented during the online enrollment process will be screened for eligibility of English language development (ELD) services.
How will I know if my child has been identified as an English Learner?
ELD teachers notify parents by sending a letter and an English Language Acquisition Plan which includes the services that are available to your child. Expect the letter to be mailed to your physical mailing address.
What are the services available to my student?
Edmond Public Schools uses an English as a Second Language model where English proficiency and content are the focus of instruction. The student’s native language is not used in instruction or as support.
Not all English Learners are alike! EPS uses a transitional approach to our ELD program which we call ExcEL: as a student’s English language proficiency increases the amount and intensity of services are decreased. The ELD services that are available to your child vary based upon grade level and ELP level.
- All classroom & content teachers of English Learners receive consultation from an ELD teacher
- Most students who have been identified as an English Learner receive a subscription to an online language, reading, or vocabulary program
that can be accessed at school and at home. - In addition to the two services above and depending on grade level & English language proficiency level, English learner students may receive one or more of the following:
| Elementary | Middle School | High School |
| Highlights Magazine Subscription | 30-minute pull-out classes 1-2 times per week | English I,II,III, or IV taught by and ELD teacher |
| 30-minute pull-out classes 1-2 times per week | Literacy Class taught by an ELD teacher | Effective Learning Strategies Class taught by an ELD teacher |
What are my rights as a parent or guardian?
You have the right to opt-out of the services included in your child’s English Language Acquisition Plan; however, your child’s English language proficiency must be assessed each year until s/he meets the proficiency requirements set by Oklahoma’s State Department of Education.
When will my child achieve English proficiency?
Experts generally agree that English language acquisition can take 5-7 years or longer.
Which assessment will be used to determine my child’s English language proficiency?
Like the majority of the United States, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has chosen the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs as the official ELP tool for our state. Sample items and test practice can be viewed here. Testing usually happens sometime during the third 9-weeks of school. The Oklahoma State Department of Education has currently set a score of 4.8 overall as an automatic exit score on the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs. You will be notified by letter of your child’s progress each year until s/he meets the proficiency requirements.
For more information on the district’s English Language Development program, contact Erica Fain at 405.340.2269 or erica.fain@edmondschools.net .