ESL Program Services
ESL Program Services
Our ESL program is a content-based program in which students learn English language skills through core instructional areas. ESL teachers and tutors collaborate with classroom teachers and administrators to provide instruction that meets the needs of our English language learners. Teachers use a variety of research-based instructional strategies that help students learn the English language and content simultaneously.
OUR GOAL:
English language learners in Davidson County Schools will:
- Attain English language proficiency.
- Achieve academic success by meeting grade-level promotion standards and graduation requirements.
- Become Career and College Ready!
Program Placement
During initial enrollment, the parent or guardian completes the Home Language Survey. Students with a dominant language other than English are given an assessment called the WAPT/WIDA Screener within the first 30 days of enrollment. This assessment measures the child’s English language proficiency. Eligibility for the ESL program is determined based on these assessment results.
English Learner Education Plans
EL Education Plans are individualized instructional plans that are written annually for all ESL students. Plans include WIDA test scores, classroom modifications, assessment accommodations, and information regarding specific ESL instructional services. This plan is shared with administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents.
ESL services may consist of the following (based on students’ needs):
- English language instruction provided by ESL teachers and tutors (within or outside of the classroom)
- Collaboration among ESL staff and content teachers
- Continuous monitoring of academic progress
- Assessing language skills using the WIDA Screener and ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessments
- Providing language resources and professional development to content teachers
Annual Testing: ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 Assessment
(2021-2022 ACCESS for ELLs Testing Window: January 24-March 11)
North Carolina requires all English learners to take the ACCESS 2.0 English Language Proficiency Assessment each Spring. The ACCESS test assesses English learners’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in English. Assessment results are shared with teachers and parents at the end of the school year.
How do students exit the ESL program?
ESL students must attain an overall/composite score of 4.8 or higher on the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 assessment to exit the ESL program.
Support for Exiting Students
Students that exit the ESL program are monitored for 4 academic years. Temporary ESL support may be provided as needed.