English Learner (EL) Program

Wyoming Public Schools provides unique opportunities for students and families that have a home or native language other than English. The diverse backgrounds of our students adds to the richness of our schools and we encourage you to celebrate and maintain your native languages and cultural identities. It is our goal to do everything possible to further your child’s education and English language development.

EL Identification

Entrance into the EL program is first initiated through the parent completing the student registration form. If another language other than English is marked on the Home Language Survey section the student may be eligible for the EL program. To protect the civil rights of our students, and in compliance with federal and state requirements, all public schools are required to assess students who have a home and/or native language other than English. These students will take the WIDA Screener upon entry. All English learners are tested annually on the WIDA ACCESS to help ensure appropriate program placement and services.

EL Exit Criteria

Students are eligible for exit from the EL program when they have scored a 4.8 or higher on the WIDA ACCESS. In the fall, parents will be informed by a letter sent home in the mail. With comprehensive supports provided through our EL Program, students typically exit the program in 5-7 years.

Parent Refusal

Parents who choose for their child not to participate in the EL program must notify the EL staff and/or building principal. A letter must be obtained from the student’s building, and signed by the parent/guardian. These students will not receive services.  However, under federal law these students must still be tested the WIDA ACCESS each spring until they meet the exit criteria.

Special Education

When English learners have a disability, students are eligible for both English learner services as well as special education services. Some of these students will take an alternate assessment called the WIDA Alternate ACCESS. Students can be eligible for exit when they score a P2.

Formerly English Learners

At WPS, our goal is to exit a minimum of 10% EL students annually. When exited, the student is monitored for the following four years thereafter or until graduated

Complaint Procedures for Non-Discrimination

If a parent or student has a complaint about any aspect of EL services, the parent should speak with their child’s classroom teacher, an EL teacher in the building, or directly with the building principal. Any person who believes that s/he has been discriminated against or denied equal opportunity or access to programs or services may file a complaint, which may be referred to as a grievance, with the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator.

Interpretation

Wyoming Public Schools ensures meaningful communication with parents in a language they can understand. Please talk to your EL teachers in your child’s school for more information.

The WIDA Access examines student’s levels of English proficiency of both social and academic language. Social language is used to communicate for everyday purposes. Academic language, or the language of school, is used to communicate the content of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

Levels of English Proficiency

1. Entering – Limited or no understanding of the English language.
2. Beginning – Understands short phrases or sentences.
3. Developing– Understands expanded sentences, and is developing social and academic language.
4. Expanding– Good language skills, but may require support in academic areas or when there is a high degree of literacy required.
5. Bridging– Knows and uses social and academic language.
6. Reaching– Knows and uses social and academic language at the highest levels.

WIDA Resources

What is WIDA Access
Understanding Your Child’s Score

District EL Coordinator

Lisa DeMaagd, (616) 530-7580 ext. 4622

District EL Manager

Danielle Vigh, (616) 530-7599

Gladiola Elementary

Thomas Rodgers, EL Teacher
Ginger Elsenheimer, EL Teacher

Oriole Park Elementary

Lindsey Sayers, EL Teacher
Maricarmen Garcia Nunez, EL Paraprofessional
Hilda Goldwater, EL Paraprofessional

Parkview Elementary

Casey Quick, EL Teacher
Bridgette Billo, EL Teacher

West Elementary

Megan MacGraw, EL Teacher
Daniel Malakowsky, EL Teacher
Nayeli Garcia, EL Paraprofessional

Wyoming Intermediate School

Rebecca Bing, EL Teacher
Jennifer Carey, EL Teacher
Ayleen Vargas Adams, EL Teacher
Virginia Villalobos, EL Paraprofessional

Wyoming Junior High School

Laura-Anne Bierens Bale, EL Teacher
Sara Bobeldyk, EL Teacher
Lynn Velthouse, EL Teacher

Wyoming High School

Jessica Trentham, EL Teacher
Jacklyn England, EL Teacher
Melissa Schneider, EL Teacher