“English Learner” (EL) means any student in preschool through grade 12, whose home language background is a language other than English and whose proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English is not yet sufficient to meet grade-level standards in an English setting.

• Dual Language Learners (DLL)

• English Language Learners (ELL)

• English Learners (EL)

• Limited English Proficient (LEP)

• Newcomer

• Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)

• Emergent Bilinguals

At the time of registration, families must complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). The state requires the district to collect a Home Language Survey for every new student. This information is used to count the students whose families speak a language other than English at home. It also helps to identify the students who need to be assessed for English language proficiency.

If the answer to either question is yes, the law requires the school to assess your child’s English language proficiency.

• Is another language other than English spoken in your home?

• Does your child speak another language other than English? 

This screening process of English language proficiency is required by law for all school districts in Illinois. It is your child’s right to be screened and receive support if they qualify for English Learner services.

The state of Illinois sets the cutoff scores for English language proficiency. When students do not meet proficiency as designated by the state, they have the right to receive English language support. Qualifying students are placed into an English Language Learners (ELL) program. Parents may accept or reject services at any time.

Qualifying English Language Learners must be assessed annually with the state-required assessment, ACCESS. This assessment measures students’ level of English proficiency and growth in English acquisition and academic vocabulary. English Learners must take this test every year until they no longer qualify (4.8 overall composite score), according to the state of Illinois.

Once a student is identified as an English Learner, the only way to exit the program is to meet English language proficiency criteria on this annual assessment, as set by the state of Illinois.

• What is ACCESS? (English)

• What is ACCESS? (Spanish)

• What is ACCESS? (Ukrainian)

• Individual Student Report - Sample (English)

• Individual Student Report - Sample (Spanish)

Districts that are required to have a TBE program must have to have a Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC)

The committee comprises parents of students enrolled in the English Learner program, community members, and district staff.

The BPAC has at least four meetings each school year during which all members work collaboratively to plan, implement, and evaluate the goals of the TBE program. Additional topics include annual state assessments, parent and student needs, and district initiatives that are geared toward increasing parental involvement in school and celebrating the cultures of district families.