English Learner Students

English Language Learners are students whose primary or home language is other than English and who are eligible for services based on the results of an English language proficiency assessment.

The language in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 identifies language minority students as Limited English Proficiency students or LEPs. However, the Georgia Department of Education, ESOL program follows the lead of the U.S. Department of Education by identifying these students as English Learners or (ELs) since this term clearly delineates the English language acquisition process. The two terms may be used interchangeably.

If the Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English on any of the three HLS questions, the KWAP-T or WIDA Screener, as applicable, will be administered to the student. It is used to measure the English language proficiency of students who have recently arrived in
the U.S or who speak another language at home. It allows us to determine whether a child is in need of English language instructional services, and if so, at what level.

Acquiring social and academic (school) language is a long process. Your child may appear fluent in English yet struggles to read and write. As your child goes through school, the language content and skills continue to get more difficult. By participating in this program, your child will receive additional assistance from his or her teachers. This assistance may be
provided through small groups or through additional resources that your child may use to assist him/her in developing more advanced language skills.

Yes. ELs who have been identified as eligible for special education services should be dually served by both programs. See section “Beyond ESOL: Additional Services for ELs.” 

Parents are encouraged to become active members of their child’s school. You can help by encouraging your child to take advantage of all the resources that GCA provides. Also, please encourage your child to ask questions when he or she needs help. In addition to this, read with your child and discuss what you have read together.

No, children are encouraged to continue to develop their first language as they acquire English.