Our Mission
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Yelm Community Schools is committed to providing high-quality learning environments that respect, reflect, and embrace the diversity within our community. Within Student Support, our English Learner Education team oversees:
- State and federal processes for identifying and serving the language development needs of students who are acquiring English as an additional language (ELs).
- Implementation of research-based English language development program models
- Professional development for all YCS staff to assist in:
- Effectively implementing district-defined programs for language learners at the elementary and secondary levels
- Meet the cognitive, academic, linguistic, and social-emotional needs of language learners within grade-level core instruction
- Ensure all language learners have meaningful and equitable access to grade-level core instruction, enabling them to meet grade-level Washington Learning Standards
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Services That Support Language Learners
- English language development instruction is provided by certificated EL teachers and supported by para-professionals
- Embedded support model where students are immersed into general education classes with native English speakers and receive support from EL staff.
- Small group or individualized language support outside of the classroom and outside of the core instruction.
- Translation and interpretation support for language learners and their families
- Student placement testing during the enrollment process and annual testing
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Eligibility
1. Home Language Survey
When a child enrolls in a Washington State school, the family fills out the home language survey as a part of the enrollment process.
2. Placement Screener
If, on the Home Language Survey, question #2 or #3 indicate a language other than English, the student will be given an English language proficiency placement screener called WIDA. The screener assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
3. Results of the Placement Screener
The placement screener will place a student at one of the following levels:
- Entering (Level 1)
- Beginning (Level 2)
- Developing (Level 3)
- Expanding (Level 4)
- Bridging/Reaching (Levels 5 and 6 - Does not qualify for EL services)
Students who score within the Entering to Expanding range will receive language acquisition services. Parents will be notified by letter if their child qualifies for these services.
4. Annual Assessment and Exit Criteria
Students who are identified as a language learner will be assessed on their English proficiency annually using the WIDA Access. This assessment provides information related to the student's progress in acquiring English through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
If, on the WIDA Access, a student scores at the Bridging or Reaching (level 5 or 6), they will be considered proficient in English and no longer receive EL services for the following school year. The student will be monitored to ensure the student continues to meet standard.
