Developing an English Language Program and the Classroom Teacher's Role

Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) mandates that every local school district provide its English Learners with instruction in English language development while also being held to the same educational standards and outcomes as their English fluent peers. Development of aforementioned program is mostly left to state education agencies (SEA). There are eight basic steps for developing an English Language program:

1. Educational Approach- The district must select a sound educational approach for providing English language development and meaningful participation in content
2. Identification- The district is responsible for identifying all students potentially needing EL/LEP services. (Administer Home Language Survey to ALL students enrolling in your district)
3. Assessment- The district is responsible for assessing each identified potential EL /LEP student for English proficiency. (Administer W-APT)
4. Placement into English Language (EL)/Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Program Services- The district is responsible for providing its EL/LEP students with a program of services consistent with its chosen educational approach.
5. Staffing and Resources- The district is obligated to provide the necessary resources and staffing to implement the educational approach selected.
6. Transition from EL/LEP Services- The district is responsible for implementing state criteria for exiting an EL/LEP student from the EL/LEP program into regular program participation.
7. Monitoring- The district will ensure that students transitioned from the EL/LEP program will meaningfully participate in the education program. (Students are monitored for two years after being Redesignated Fully English Proficient (RFEP).
8. Program Evaluation- The district will develop evaluation procedures to periodically evaluate and revise its EL /LEP program.

So as a classroom teacher, what is your role in each of these steps? Let's take a quick look at that:

1. Educational Approach- Speak up in a diplomatic way based on your knowledge of English Language Development and the unique needs of your school setting
2. Identification- Identify students who may not have been previously identified if you think they might be eligible for English Language services
3. Assessment- Encourage your eligible students to be available for testing
4. Placement into EL/LEP Program Services- Make sure that the services that your ESL students are receiving are consistent with the educational approach chosen
5. Staffing and Resources- Make your staffing and resources known to your department chair and/or administration
6. Transition from EL/LEP Services- Provide your input on whether or not the student is ready to transition out of the program
7. Monitoring- Continue to make observations as to whether or not the student is able to participate in the mainstream program
8. Program Evaluation- Provide an informed opinion on the program

Source: Kentucky Department of Education