ESOL/HILT Programs and Services

1. Arlington Public Schools Department of Instruction ESOL/HILTPrograms and Services WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS September 2011

2. Six Important Things to Know 1. What is the ESOL/HILT Program? 2. Why is my child in this program? 3. How does my child make progress in the program? 4. Which tests does my child take? 5. How are ESOL/HILT services delivered in my child’s school? 6. How can I help my child?

3. 1. What is the ESOL/HILT Program? Program Components • High Intensity Language Training (HILT) for students with beginning to intermediate English proficiency • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for students with advanced English proficiency • Bridging for students who have exited from direct ESOL/HILT services

4. Purposes of the ESOL/HILT Program • To ensure that English language learners attain English proficiency in order to develop high levels of academic achievement • To assist English language learners in meeting the same challenging academic content standards that all students are expected to meet

5. ESOL/HILT Program Overview • Criteria for entry, progress, and exit based on student’s level of English proficiency • Instruction and assessment in English of oral language, reading, and writing • Instruction that integrates language and content using a variety of methods and practices • Curricula that incorporates Arlington Public Schools and state Standards of Learning (SOL) • Available to all identified ESOL/HILT students with parental permission

6. 2. Why is my child in ESOL/HILT? • Tests results for listening, speaking, reading, and writing are used to determine program placement. • The ESOL/HILT program provides the services your child needs.

7. Parental Rights and Responsibilities • You have the option to decline enrollment of your child in the program. • If you choose to decline enrollment of your child in the program, you must speak with the principal. • Opt out students must take the state required English proficiency tests in the spring.

8. 3. How does my child make progress in the program? WIDA English Language Proficiency Levels Level 6 – Reaching Level 5 – Bridging Level 4 – Expanding Level 3 – Developing Level 2 – Beginning Level 1 – Entering

9. Your Child’s Level of English Language Proficiency (ELP) • Students are given a state required test in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing to determine their level of English language proficiency. • Teachers will share your child’s level with you at the beginning of the school year. • Your child’s level is recorded on the ESOL/HILT report card.

10. 4. Which tests does my child take ? The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requires parent notification, parent options and the following tests: What all students are expected to learn at each grade level Tests in Reading, Writing, English, Math, History and Science Standards of Learning (SOL) tests VGLA Virginia Grade Level An alternative assessment for the SOL Reading Test Alternative Tests of English Language Proficiency (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) ACCESS for ELLs

11. Who takes the ACCESS for ELLs test? • All English language learners (ELLs) levels 1-5 in Grades K-12 • All students who have opted out of the ESOL/HILT program in Grades K-12

12. What is the VGLA? Who takes the VGLA? • A collection of work documenting individual achievement of grade level reading standards • An alternative assessment for the SOL Reading Test • Available for beginning students in grades 3-5 who achieved 3.5 or less on the ACCESS test

13. What are the local assessments in reading and writing? • Reading PALS Grades K-2 DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) DRP (Degrees of Reading Power) • Writing Writing samples Writing Rubric

14. Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests GRADE 3GRADE 4GRADE 5 Reading Reading Reading Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Science History Science History Writing • ELLs in levels 1-5 have a one-time exemption for the 3rd grade Science, History, and Writing SOL tests • All ELLs in levels 1-5 must take the reading SOL test or VGLA unless enrolled in a U.S. school for less than 12 months.

15. How will I know the results of my child’s tests ? • You will receive the results of state tests that your child has taken. Results are sent by mail or with the student. • You may talk with your child’s teacher.

16. What happens if my child does not pass the SOL tests? • Test results will be one of the criteria to determine the instructional program for your child. • There are opportunities to help your child: intervention programs, summer school, and/or change of instructional program.

17. 5. How are ESOL/HILT services delivered in my child’s school? Schools meet the needs of English language learners through the use of different instructional programs. • English as a Second Language– supervised by the ESOL/HILT Office • First Language Support – supervised by the ESOL/HILT Office • Two-Way Immersion Program (Spanish–English) – supervised by the Foreign Language Office.

18. English as a Second Language (ESL) This program provides: • Instruction delivered in English • Language instruction integrated with academic content to meet the SOL objectives • Instruction according to the student’s level of English proficiency • Ongoing English proficiency assessment in oral language, reading, and writing

19. ESOL/HILT Delivery Models ESOL/HILT services are delivered through a variety of models which include classroom inclusion, pull out, and regrouping. Your child’s teacher, the ESOL/HILT Lead Teacher, or the principal can talk to you about the instructional delivery model(s) used in your school.

20. 6. How can I help my child succeed? • Make sure you know the dates for testing, how to help your child get ready for the tests, and how to read the test results. • Attend PTA meetings and Back to School Night. • Review notices and letters. • Review quarterly report cards. • Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences (October and March). • Find out about before- and after-school tutoring, homework clubs, and other opportunities. • Enroll your child in summer school. • Encourage your child to study and read.

21. Do you have any questions? Thank you for attending the workshop.