English Learners Identification
New students can register for school at the Parent Information Center (PIC) in Everett City Hall. They must complete some forms. One form asks parents or guardians to identify the languages that the student is exposed to at home. This form is called the Home Language Survey. If a language other than English is identified on the Home Language Survey, the student will take an initial language test. The test for students in grades 2-12 is called the WIDA Screener, and it helps us know the student’s language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The test for students in K-1 is called the W-APT, and it helps us know the student’s language proficiency in listening and speaking.
These 2 tests help us know the students’ WIDA English proficiency levels. There are 6 levels: 1 (entering), 2 (beginning), 3 (developing), 4 (expanding), 5 (bridging), and 6 (native-like proficiency). We inform the student’s teacher of his or her English level. This information helps the teacher identify the best ways to support the student.
Initial Placement Test:
Grades 1 (2nd semester)-12
Score of 4.5 overall and 4.5 on composite literacy on the WIDA Screener: the student is considered to have proficient English language skills. This means that he or she does not need extra language help from an English Language teacher, and he or she will not be identified as an English Learner (EL).
Score of 4.0 or lower overall and/or lower than 4.0 or lower on composite literacy on the WIDA Screener: the student may need more help with their English language skills. The student will be identified as an English Learner (EL) and have the opportunity to be placed into an English Language program. In these programs, the student will still have some classes with all of the other students in their grade, but they will also receive additional help and support from an English Language teacher. Parents/guardians have the right to opt-out of placement in or out of this program at any time.
Initial Placement Test:
Grades K-1 (1st semester)
Score of 29 or higher on the W-APT: the student is considered to have proficient English language skills. This means that he or she does not need extra language help from an English Language teacher, and he or she will not be identified as an English Learner (EL).
Score of 28 or lower on the W-APT: the student may need more help with their English language skills. The student will be identified as an English Learner (EL). English Learners (ELs) in 1st grade will be placed into an English Language program. In these programs, the student will still have some classes with all of the other students in their grade, but they will also receive additional help and support from an English Language teacher. English Learners (ELs) in Kindergarten will receive support from the Kindergarten teacher. The student will begin to receive help from an English Language teacher when he or she enters 1st grade. Parents/guardians have the right to opt-out of placement in or out of this program at any time.
SLIFE Screening at Everett High School
Students with Limited and/or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) are a subcategory of English Learners who need specific instructional strategies and may require additional services such as counseling resources and remedial interventions. In order to identify these students, incoming Level 1 and Level 2 English Learners at Everett High School receive a SLIFE screening in their native language. This screening includes a questionnaire about the student’s previous schooling experience and any gaps in school that may have occurred, in addition to a literacy and numeracy test in their native language. Teachers will be notified if one of their students is identified as SLIFE at Everett High School.