WIDA Screener

Students who have indicated that another language is spoken in their home will be assessed with the WIDA Screener to determine if they are a candidate for ML services. A student scoring 5.0 or above in the oral language composite (speaking and listening) AND a 4.2 literacy composite (reading and writing) is considered English proficient. New students will be screened within 30 days of starting school in the district.

ACCESS for ELs

Multilingual students are assessed annually to determine overall progression with the English language. This test is taken over the computer in late January and February and students will be assessed in the four domains of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Exit Criteria for ACCESS

At the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians will receive previous ACCESS scores of their student to demonstrate their overall English proficiency. The scores will be delivered in English and the native/home language. This will determine whether or not the student will continue to be eligible for multilingual services. If a student scores a 4.8 or above on their composite score, they will exit the ML program. Upon exiting, student progress will continue to be monitored by the Multilingual Department for two years.

Refusal of Multilingual Services

Parents/guardians have the right to refuse Multilingual services at any point. To do so, parents/guardians must document this in writing, students will discuss this with their guidance counselors, and the refusal form will be signed before any schedule changes can be made.

Parents/guardians who waive services have the right to initiate their student’s multilingual services at any time, as long as the student still qualifies. Students must continue to take the ACCESS test each year until a 4.8 or above composite score is attained, per the state of Illinois, regardless of refusal status.