English Language Development: Parent Information

Because California has so many English Learners, public schools are required to identify and test students whose primary language is not English. This is done by looking at the Home Language Survey, a survey that is filled out by parents for every child that enters a public school. If the answers to the first three questions on that survey contain languages other than English, the school must administer the California English Language Development Test or CELDT.

Based on the results, the student may be identified as an English Learner or EL. If the first time the CELDT test is taken, the student receives an overall EL score of 1, 2, or 3, they are identified as Limited English Proficient or LEP. If the student receives an overall score of 4 or 5 the first time taking the test, the student is identified as Fluent English Proficient or FEP. FEP is achieved only if all 4 scores in the subtests are at least a 3. FEP students are not considered ELs and will never take the CELDT again.

After testing the student, the school relays the results of the test by letter to the parent with the plan for addressing the student’s language development. All EL 1’s and 2’s receive pullout services by the ELD department within the school. EL 3’s may also receive pullout services. EL 4’s and 5’s that have previously taken the CELDT, are left in their regular classroom and receive help from the teacher as needed.

In Evergreen, when a child shows they have become fluent in English, they are reclassified. To get reclassified, a student must be in 3^rd grade or higher, have an overall CELDT score of 4 or 5 from the previous year, and have scored 325 or higher on the CST test in both math and language arts. In addition they must pass a writing sample and be able to perform grade level work in the classroom. Once a student is reclassified, they do not take the CELDT again, nor are they considered an English Learner.

The English Language Advisory Committee or ELAC meets 4 times per year. This committee is set up to provide parents with information and opportunities for input into the school’s ELD program.

If you have concerns or questions about your child’s English language development, you may contact Julie Clark by e-mail at julieclark@eesd.org.