In an effort to provide appropriate instruction for all students, the state of Illinois requires that any student who speaks a language other than English or lives in a home where a language other than English is spoken be given an English language screening assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to determine if the student qualifies for the English Learner (EL) support program.
At the Welcome and Assessment Center you will meet the Assessment Center Liaison. Once you are checked in, the liaison will let an EL Assessment teacher know you have arrived. The Assessment Teacher will administer the EL proficiency screening assessment through a variety of short tasks that are based on stories, pictures and other language activities.
Student take assessments that are appropriate for their age and grade level.
- Preschoolers entering kindergarten are administered the MODEL screener (listening and speaking sections).
- Kindergartners are administered the MODEL screener (listening and speaking sections). Kindergartners who are in their second semester of kindergarten or above are asked to read and write in English as well.
- Students in first through eighth grade are administered the WIDA Screener (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
The assessment is given individually and takes about 30 minutes for students entering kindergarten. Students entering first through eighth grade will need 60 to 90 minutes to complete the English language screening. Students who score below an overall Composite score of 5.0 out of 6.0 qualify to receive EL Support Services at their base elementary or junior high school. The Assessment Teacher will explain the type of EL support that is available for their student.
Welcome to the District 54 school community where everyone works to ensure student success for all. We look forward to meeting you.
