Federal and state law requires proper identification and annual language proficiency assessment of students whose first language is not English, or who struggle to complete ordinary classroom work in English.  The law also requires that students identified as ELLs (also referred to as “students with limited English proficiency,” or “LEP students” in federal laws and guidance, and “English learner” in state law) are provided with opportunities to receive instruction that is appropriate for their individual language proficiency level, allows them to develop English language proficiency, and affords them equal access to rigorous content area instruction and academic achievement alongside their native English speaking peers.  Once proficient in English, ELLs are to be exited from language programs (G.L. c. 71A § 4) and monitored for a period of two years.

All new students will be administered the Home Language Survey as a part of the new student registration process, which will then be used to identify students with limited English proficiency.  When the survey indicates that English is not the student’s first language or the primary language spoken in the home, the student’s school records will be reviewed to determine the level of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) services which were received in the student’s preceding school.  For those who had been discharged from LEP services in preceding years or who had been receiving services in the prior year, a review of their language achievement, including an analysis of the preceding spring ACCESS for ELL assessments, will be undertaken. Those students who were not found proficient by their sending schools will be assessed to determine if the student is or is not an ELL, and the level of services that will be needed to achieve English fluency. 

A student identified as an ELL after a language screening assessment will be placed in a language program that will provide sheltered content area instruction in English and English language instruction appropriate for the student’s level of English language proficiency - unless the student’s parent chooses to “opt out” of such language programs or requests a waiver. Students identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) will be eligible for and be provided sheltered instruction and tutorial support on an as-needed basis.  In addition to English Proficiency, their academic and social progress will be monitored each trimester.