To identify English Language Learners (ELL), school districts must assess the English language proficiency of all students whose home language is other than English. Such students must be tested in English listening, speaking, reading and writing.

PROGRAMS

Springfield Public Schools offers a variety of multilingual education programs that include Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), Dual Language Education (DLE), and Sheltered English Immersion for Students with Limited of Interrupted Education (SLIFE).

Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Program:
This program uses strategies to help English learners better understand subjects like math, English language arts, social studies, and science. It adjusts instruction based on each student's language skills. The program includes methods to make the content easier to grasp and to improve academic language skills in these subjects. In addition to content instruction, the program includes direct English as a Second Language (ESL) Instruction focused on developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. ESL instruction is a required component of all Multilingual Education programs.

Dual Language Education (DLE) or Two-Way Immersion Program:
This program aims to enhance students' language skills in two languages: English and Spanish. It is designed for native English-speaking students as well as those who are native speakers of another language. This program is offered at one of our magnet schools German Gerena Community School (Dual Language) and is currently available to students in grades Pre-K (4-year-olds), and Kindergarten, and adds one additional grade each school year. The goal of our dual language program is to help students achieve proficiency in both English and Spanish. Speaking more than one language is an asset, and students are recognized in various ways, such as earning the Seal of Biliteracy in high school.

Student With Limited of Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) Program:
This program provides intensive teaching in math and reading in core subjects, specifically designed for student new to the U.S. school system and who may have less schooling compared to their peers.

RIGHTS OF ENGLISH LEARNERS

Upon registration, the district will evaluate our child's English language proficiency. If your child is identifie3d as an English learner, you will be notified of their test results and given options for program placement.

You have the option to refuse enrollment of your child in a Multilingual Education program or withdraw your child from it at any time. However, federal and state laws require the district to provide support so that our child can understand English instruction and improve their English skills. If you choose not to enroll your child in or withdraw them from our program, teachers will still provide support in the classroom, and your child will continue to be assessed for English proficiency until they meet the criteria to exit the program. It's important to note that if you decline enrollment or withdraw your child from a Multilingual Education program, they will not receive specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction focused on language skills.

Parents are encouraged to attend available meetings English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) to learn more about the multilingual education programs in the district.