IHBE - English Language Learners

File: IHBE

 

English Language Learners
 
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71A defines an English Language Learner as “a child who does not speak English or whose primary language is not English and who is currently not able to perform ordinary classroom work in English.”  As required by Chapter 71A, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related federal statutes, educational services for English Language Learners (ELL) are based on the individual needs of the student.  Professional staff assesses student needs and develops strategies and interventions and services which will enable the student to acquire language skills and access the educational curriculum.
 
Services provided to English Language Learners are designed to minimize barriers to educational services and extracurricular activities and to provide an appropriate education in the least restrictive learning environment.
 
The Franklin Public Schools is committed to teaching English to students whose primary language is not English.  Personnel will provide instructional supports and services to teach language skills to students as rapidly and effectively as possible.

 

In order to meet the needs of English Language Learners, designated school personnel shall:
  • Conduct evaluations of the student’s skills.
  • Provide professional and/or paraprofessional services to supplement instruction in the general curriculum, as deemed necessary to acquire English language, or in English, whichever is deemed effective.
  • Utilize assessment and evaluative tools deemed to be culturally appropriate and bias free and that are standardized and nationally-normed.
  • Utilize a variety of assistive technology to enable student to access curriculum and make progress in achieving mastery of state curriculum frameworks.
  • Consult with professionals with expertise in the primary language of the English Language Learner.
  • Consult and communicate with parents in making all educational decisions.
  • Provide information and communication in the primary language of parent/guardian.
In order to comply with federal and state regulations, the Franklin Public Schools will:
  • Annually conduct child find activities and develop a census of English Language Learners
  • Annually develop, evaluate and modify methods of assessment and instruction.
  • Implement state requirements for assessment of English Language Learners.
  • Review annually the services provided to English Language Learners.
  • Ensure parents are informed of all services and opportunities under the law.
  • Implement all interventions and services and procedures mandated by state and federal regulations and laws.
  • The Franklin Public Schools will designate a liaison to coordinate all English Language Learner educational activities.
Legal References:  Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
                               (P.L. 107-110); M.G.L. c. 71A, and related regulations

 

Reviewed, revised:  3/9/16