English Language Learners

At all grade levels, SDoJ uses a blended ESL approach of Content-based ESL, Sheltered Instruction, and English as a second language (ESL) instruction. 

• Integrated ESL - English Language Development is facilitated through an EL educator’s or EL educator supported paraprofessional pushes into the general education setting. The EL teacher or paraprofessional may be supporting ELs during a mini-lesson or wait for instruction to be complete before working in a small group with ELs. Teachers may be supported in language proficiency development.
• Newcomer ESL - Newcomer programs are generally stand-alone learning environments designed to meet the socio-cultural, language, and academic needs of newly arrived immigrants. These programs prepare newcomers with readiness to transition to regular LIEPs.
• Content-based ESL - Instruction in which content is used as the medium for building English Language skills, the primary focus remains on learning English.- ESL-certified teacher provides language instruction that uses content as a medium for building language skills. Although using content as a means, instruction is still focused primarily on learning English. 
• ESL- Integrated SPED - ELs with IEPs should be served within all LIEP environments. This category is ELs with significant cognitive disabilities.

WIDA has established language development standards for English and Spanish. These standards represent the language students need to be successful in grades K-12.

The first standard, Social and Instructional Language, reflects the ways in which students interact socially to build community and establish working relationships with peers and teachers in ways that support learning.

The remaining four standards present ways multilingual learners can communicate information, ideas and concepts necessary for academic success in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.

WIDA provides a variety of resources that help you understand how to use standards. For example, in the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition and WIDA Spanish Language Development Standards guides, WIDA provides examples of each standard within a classroom context and makes explicit connections to content standards.

Federal and state laws require that students identified as English Learners (ELs) be assessed annually to determine their level of English language proficiency (ELP) and ensure that they are progressing in achieving full English proficiency. Most ELs will take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment annually. Please see this ACCESS for ELLs® for more information.

DPI ACCESS for ELLs

• All students complete a Migrant Eligibility Survey as part of the district's new student registration form. 
• When a student is identified as a potential migratory student, their survey results are shared with the EL team at the student's assigned school. 
• The EL staff member will then review the survey and follow up with the family. If applicable, they will complete an MEP referral. 
• The district's Student Data Management Specialist will also review and acknowledge any Migrant Student Enrollment Alerts in the WISEdata Portal.

For more information, see the WI DPI's webpage for identifying migratory students: https://dpi.wi.gov/migrant/identifyingmigratorystudents