English as a Second Language

WIDA Screener -  is an English language proficiency "screener" test given to incoming students who may be designated as Emergent Bilinguals (EBs). It assists educators with programmatic placement decisions such as identification and placement of EBs. The WIDA Screener is one component of WIDA's comprehensive assessment system. 

Language Instruction Programs for English Language - The rules still require that school districts administer a home language survey to determine the languages spoken in the student’s home and the languages spoken by the student. Once a student with a non-English language background is identified, school districts are required to conduct individual language assessments using the screening instruments (listed below) within 30 days of the student's enrollment in the district.

• Prekindergarten ages 3-5

  • Assessment: Pre IPT-Oral

  • Cut Score: Fluent English Speaker (FES)

• Kindergarten

  • Assessment: WIDA K Screener (Listening and Speaking)

  • Cut Score: 5.0 oral language proficiency

• 2nd Semester of K & 1st Semester of 1st grade

  • Assessment: WIDA K Screener (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing)

  • Cut Score: Overall Composite 5.0 & Composite Literacy 4.2 (reading & writing)

• 2nd Semester of 1st grade-12th grade

  • Assessment WIDA Screener (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing)

  • Cut Score: Overall Composite 5.0

Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) - Instruction is in the students’ native language to enable them to transition into English. The goal is to help students transition to mainstream, English-only classrooms as quickly as possible, and the linguistic goal of such programs is English acquisition only. Students in TBE programs must be taught by certified teachers with bilingual and/or ESL approval who have a near-native level of proficiency in the native language spoken by the students.

Harlem Language Academy (HoLA) - dual language program, also known as two-way immersion, falls under the bilingual education (TBE) umbrella. Is an effective approach to develop language proficiency and literacy in English and Spanish. The HoLA program promotes Biculturalism, Bilingualism and Biliteracy, grade-level academic achievement, and cross-cultural competence in all students.  

Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) - Instruction may be provided in lieu of a TBE program if there are fewer than 20 English Learners (ELs) of the same native language enrolled in an attendance center. A TPI must always be made available to any ELs if a TBE program is not otherwise available. TPI may provide a wide range of services. Examples of TPI services include English as a second language (ESL) instruction and classroom tutors, aides, and others who serve as a native language resource.