What is the English Learner Program like in Medfield?

Medfield Public School District uses a Shelter English Immersion (SEI) program model to promote English Language Development (ELD) for our English Language learning students.

The Medfield SEI Program Model consists of two necessary components:

● Core academic classes – taught by licensed teachers who are specially trained to differentiate or shelter the language of the content for English learners

AND

● English as a second language class – a separate content class taught by a teacher licensed in second language acquisition

What is the initial identification process and how is initial proficiency determined?

English Learners are identified by at least one of the following:

● Home Language Survey indicating a language other than English (included in the Medfield registration packet)
● Teacher or parent recommendation
● Evidence of EL services from another U.S. school

Potential English Learners are assessed for program eligibility using the WAPT/WIDA Screener or prior ACCESS scores.

How are students assessed annually?

They are assessed annually through the ACCESS for ELLs 2.0

● ACCESS for ELLs is a summative English language assessment.
● All English Learners across the state of Massachusetts are required to participate in ACCESS testing including those that have “opted-out” of program support.
● ELs are assessed annually during the month of January/February.
● The continued assessment assesses a student’s English skills in: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
● Parents will receive an individual student report in June.

How can a parent/guardian opt out of services?

This means that the parent/guardian has decided that that the recommended program is not the best option for the child and they do not want the child to receive direct ESL instruction focused on language development.

The parent/guardian must meet with the EL teacher and Student Services Director before making the final decision to “opt out."

What are the exit criteria for the program?

English Learners will be reclassified as Former English Learners (FELs) once they have reached a proficiency level that will allow them to access academic content in English without any additional support. Exit criteria is the same for all students but will vary for each student based on the amount of time each individual needs to demonstrate proficiency.

Here is what we look for:

● ACCESS cutoff scores determined by the state of Massachusetts
● Student’s scores on locally-administered diagnostic language assessments
● Classroom performance in core content & ESL
● Teacher recommendation

It is a violation of Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974 when districts do not exit EL students from a language acquisition program after they have acquired English proficiency.

What should we expect for exit monitoring and support?

Once students have exited the program, students are monitored for progress for the next four years.

What we do:

● We review academic progress
● Meet and discuss progress with classroom teachers
● Offer guidance or additional support if needed