Identification ProcedureState and federal laws require school districts to screen students who have more than one language in their history. All Rocky Rivers parents/guardians must answer questions about languages spoken at home when they enroll. These questions are a part of the Home Language Survey (HLS) (HLS link here) This form becomes a part of the student's cumulative record. Copies of completed forms listing a language other than English as a reply to any of the questions are sent to the district EL coordinator.
If parents indicate that a language other than English is spoken at home on their HLS, we are required, by law, to assess the student’s language proficiency. Rocky River uses the IPT Language Proficiency Test for this identification process. It is used to determine if the student’s level of English proficiency is not adequate to participate effectively in mainstream classroom settings in which English is the only language of instruction. The IPT is administered to students within two weeks of enrollment. The assessment determines if the student is fully English Proficient, Limited English Proficient, or Non-English Proficient.If a student is fully English Proficient, he is classified as Non-LEP. The HLS will be marked Non-LEP in the students permanent records and no further action is taken by the ELL instructors.
If the student is not fully English proficient, they are considered LEP (Limited English Proficient) by the state, and are eligible for EL services. The EL coordinator will send the parent/guardian notification of the test results indicating proficiency levels, a description of the EL program, and how services will be delivered. (Link to Initial Parent Notification letter here) The parent/guardian must sign and return a portion of this form, either giving or denying permission for their child to receive EL services. This information (test results and permission) is kept in the Blue EL folder in the student's permanent file. LEP students are placed into the EL program within thirty days of enrollment if the parent consents to services.