Students who have a home language other than English (or in addition to English) and test limited English proficient in any language domain, speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing or overall composite score, may be eligible for English Learner Services.
The English Language Learner Program in Northfield Public Schools supports the district vision of preparing every student for lifelong success within a world-class learning environment with a commitment to community partnerships and sustainability. The goal of the EL program is to teach students social and academic English so that they are able to fully participate in all classes and subjects taught in school.
Identification
As part of the enrollment process, all families must complete the Minnesota Language Survey:
English | Spanish | Somali | Vietnamese
When a parent/guardian indicates a language other than English on any question on the Minnesota Language Survey, an EL instructor will assess the student for eligibility for EL Services when they first enroll in the district.
The EL teacher will determine EL service eligibility based on:
- WIDA screener indicates eligible English language proficiency level
- Prior records that indicate student was in EL service in a previous district
Students who have qualified for EL services continue to be eligible, until they reach a level of English proficiency that allows them to independently access and succeed in the curriculum, as demonstrated by meeting the MN Department of Education exit criteria.
For more information on EL programming entrance criteria, please see the Minnesota Standardized English Learner Procedures Identification document published by the MN Department of Education (Last updated in 9/1/21).
Parent Notification
Parents will be notified within ten days of a student beginning EL Services each school year. The notification will include the criteria used to determine eligibility for EL Services, the child’s level of English proficiency and general information about EL Services. Parents of English learners will be invited to meet with their child’s EL instructor during fall Parent-Teacher Conferences to learn more about EL Services and how they can work cooperatively with the school to advance their child’s English language skills.
Refusal of EL Services
Parents/guardians who do not wish their child to receive EL Services may refuse services by completing the Request to Withdraw: English Learner Services form. The request must be completed each year the parents wish to refuse EL Services.
SLIFE Identification
English learners with limited or interrupted formal education will be identified based on the following criteria:
- Come from a home where the language usually spoken is other than English, or usually speaks a language other than English;
- Enter school in the United States after grade 6;
- Have at least two years less schooling than the English learner’s peers;
- Function at least two years below expected grade level in reading and mathematics; and
- May be preliterate in the English learner’s native language
