English Language Development (ELD)

English Learners receive a broad spectrum of specialized services based on their individual needs. These services include English language development classes, co-taught general education classes such as math, history and science and general education support classes.

Initial Placement

Testing and potential placement in the ELD program is based on the Home Language Survey portion of the Clarkston Community Schools District registration form. If the parent of a new enrollee indicates that the student’s native or home language is other than English, the student will be assessed within 10 school days to determine eligibility in the ELD program. The assessment tool will be the WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT). Test results assist educators with programmatic placement decisions such as identification and placement of ELs. The W-APT is one component of WIDA's comprehensive assessment system. ACCESS for ELs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Learners) is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment given to Kindergarten through 12th graders who have been identified as English Learners (ELs). It is given annually in WIDA Consortium member states to monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English. Parents will be notified of the student’s eligibility and given the opportunity to accept or refuse ELD assistance.

Continued Eligibility or Exit from the ELD Program

Students are assessed on a yearly basis in all four-skill areas as required by state law. If WIDA testing determines that a student has not reached the appropriate level of proficiency, he or she will remain in the ELD Program. Students who reach the appropriate proficiency level are exited from services, but are monitored for a four-year period to ensure that adequate progress in English and success in the classroom continues.