ELL-English Language Learners

English as a Second Language (ESL) shall be taught to enable English Learners (ELs) to become competent in the listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the English language. The program shall emphasize mastery of English language skills and content area concepts and skills, so students are able to participate effectively in the regular academic program and to reach their full potential.

Legal Obligations to Serve ELs

The legal obligation to serve ELs can be found in the Equal Education Opportunities Act, Lau v. Nichols, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Plyler v. Doe, Casteneda v. Pickard, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and many others. ELs have the same rights to Advanced Placement college preparation courses, Gifted and Talented programs, Special Education services, extracurricular activities, etc.

Identification of ELs

Every child enrolled in Alabama schools is to be given a Home Language Survey (HLS). If a language other than English is provided on the survey, students in Grades K-12 are assessed for English proficiency using the WIDA Screener or the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT) for kindergarten. This screening tool is used to determine whether a child is eligible for English language instructional services.

Wave ESL Services 

Parents may refuse supplemental EL services.  Contact your EL teacher for the waiver request.  The school district is still required to make accommodations for instruction and monitor the student's academic performance.  Although the parent has denied ESL services for the student, the student must continue to participate in the annual English Language Proficiency testing (ACCESS 2.0) until attaining proficiency.