OVERVIEW

St. Vrain Valley Schools (SVVS) recognizes the value of cultural and linguistic diversity and is committed to meeting the linguistic and educational needs of all students.  SVVS is also committed to its responsibility to provide meaningful educational environments that include appropriate language and content learning in both English and Spanish.  The English Language Development (ELD) Program is designed to offer educational experiences that allow students to develop academic skills and concepts. Emerging bilingual students have the right to a strong educational program with high academic standards provided by a knowledgeable and trained staff. The department works collaboratively with the Colorado Department of Education and the St. Vrain Valley School District Assessment Office to monitor student progress in acquiring English with the annual ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State) assessment. Data analysis of ACCESS and other assessment tools, program evaluation, parent involvement, and professional development are all focuses of the department.

English Language Development Supports and Programming

How is a student identified as an English Learner (EL)?	When families and guardians register children for school they complete a Home Language Survey. Based on information from the Home Language Survey students with an influence of another language are given the state English language proficiency screener assessment to determine their level of English proficiency. Students who meet state criteria for EL eligibility are identified as EL students, enrolled in ELD programming,  and a letter is sent home to the family to inform them of their eligibility for ELD services.
How does ELD programming and services support students?	A. English Language Development (ELD)  K-12 The ELD  program provides the opportunity for students learning English to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through research-based ELD methods. Instruction focuses on English Language Development through content learning. ELD teachers work collaboratively with core classroom/content teachers to support sheltered instruction.  B.Biliteracy Program:  Grades K-3 in Designated Biliteracy Schools The Transitional Biliteracy Program, kindergarten through third grade, simultaneously develops Spanish and English literacy skills.  Programming also provides the opportunity for students to develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. Instruction focuses on English Language Development (ELD) and content learning.  The Transitional Biliteracy Program is available at the following schools: Columbine, Indian Peaks, Northridge, Rocky Mountain, and Timberline PK-8
How is an English Learner exited from ELD services and programming?	Identified EL students participate in the state’s annual language proficiency assessment, ACCESS, and in state and district reading and writing assessments. When a student meets state determined criteria on both the ACCESS assessment and on a state or local reading and writing assessment, the student is considered English proficient and is reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (FEP), exited from ELD programming and no longer participates in ACCESS testing. The student’s progress in content areas is monitored for two years after exiting ELD programming to ensure progress and proficiency in English. After two years of monitoring, students who are maintaining English proficiency are officially exited. However, if a student demonstrates a need for English language development support during the two years of monitoring, the student can re-enter ELD programming and receive additional services.
What rights do families and guardians have regarding ELD services and programming?	Families and guardians have the right to accept or refuse ELD services and programming. If a family or guardian wishes to refuse ELD services and programming, they  need to contact the school’s ELD teacher to request a refusal form. Refusal of ELD services does not need to be renewed annually. However, a family or guardian can elect to cancel that refusal and re-enroll a student in ELD services and programming at any time by contacting their school’s ELD teacher. As a requirement of state and federal law, all students who are identified as EL students, even those that refuse services, participate in the state’s annual assessment to monitor their progress towards English proficiency, the ACCESS assessment.