FAQs Archive - English Language Development Portal Pennsylvania

Q: If we want to check on a currently identified EL’s proficiency level during the school year, can we use the screener?

The screener is not designed for this purpose. You should either use the WIDA MODEL, which must be purchased from WIDA, or use a locally developed assessment. Keep in mind that formative information that ESL teachers can gather during ongoing interaction with students is very valuable when considering a student's current ability and level of need. The WIDA proficiency level descriptors, rubrics, and ELD standards can be used to help in this type of analysis.

Q: Are ELs in Pennsylvania allowed to remain in school until 21, or is this only for special education?

ELs are entitled to remain enrolled in school through the end of the year in which they turn 21. Please review the Enrollment of Students BEC for more information.

Q: Do we use the term English learner (EL) or another term?

PDE uses the term English learner in line with the federal government. However, the term multilingual learner (MLL/ML) is increasingly used in research and professional learning activities. Either term is acceptable in formal communication.

Q: How are ESL specialists are allotted to each school? Is it based on the numbers of each level of ELs or some other formula?

The state does not prescribe teacher ratios or ways to implement LIEPs. Like the federal government, PDE uses the Castaneda test to ensure program compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. LEAs have the flexibility to design their programs in whatever way makes the most sense for them given their local populations and needs. Each program must be resourced appropriately in order to ensure effectiveness, though. There are certainly no formulas that dictate how to calculate the number of ESL teachers required, since there are many ways to design and implement an LIEP. If you do not have a sufficient number of ESL teachers to effectively implement your stated program, and the ELs are not making adequate progress in learning English and/or achieving academic success, then the district is obligated to make changes to its program to increase the effectiveness of it. This may include additional ESL teachers.

Q: Can ESL teachers be required to cover special education classes?

ESL teachers can be pulled to cover courses if that practice is used in your district and other teachers are subject to these requirements as needed and in accordance with your local collective bargaining agreement/contract. If pulling ESL teachers to cover other classes will have a negative impact on the implementation of the LIEP, then it must be discontinued.

Q: Can a student’s one-to-one be in the room during an ACCESS test?

Yes, but will have to complete non-disclosure if they are exposed to test materials.

Q: Can the host family for a foreign exchange student complete the HLS and family interview, or do we need to send it to the student’s family abroad?

The host family, with input from the student, can complete the HLS and the family interview. There is no need to send the documents to the student’s family abroad.