The primary goal of the English Learners (EL) program is to help students to use U.S. academic English, understand the culture of U.S. schools, and be successful learners. In our program, students will understand:

• English is used to communicate for a variety of purposes in social, cultural and academic settings.
• English language strategies support academic achievement in content areas.
• English language mastery requires proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

English Language instruction:

• Direct English language instruction is delivered by licensed EL teachers.
• All teachers are teachers of students that qualify for EL services.
• All teachers provide a language rich environment accessible for all students using research-based instructional strategies.
• Direct EL instruction is provided in small EL groups and sheltered EL classrooms.
• EL teachers build a foundation of content knowledge, academic problem-solving skills, and language proficiency.
• Curriculum and instruction is aligned to WIDA English Language Development Standards as well as the Minnesota K-12 Academic Content Standards

English Language students, families, and community

• Multilingualism as an asset.
• Interpreters and translation services for families’ home language.
• Language-rich school learning environments.
• Bilingual SEALS opportunities for students.

When should a student be assessed for the EL program?

A student should be assessed for the EL program if parents indicate a language in addition to English on the Minnesota Language Survey:

1. My students first learned

2. My student speaks

3. My student understands

4. My student has consistent interaction in

Students will be assessed in four domains; reading, writing, speaking and listening of academic English.

Where are students assessed?

Students who meet the criteria are assessed at the Family Welcome Center in the Coon Rapids Family Center Mall, 11224 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433. The Family Welcome Center can be reached at 763-433-4680 during regular office hours (7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday).

What happens after students are assessed?

Students receive an ineligible or eligible status. 

Ineligible: If a student is not eligible for EL services based on his/her test scores, families will schedule a registration meeting with their child's school. The student will not receive English support from EL staff.

Eligible: If a student is eligible for EL services based on his/her test scores, the test information is shared with the assigned school offering EL support. Families will also meet with their child's school.

How do students leave the EL program?

A student must show proficiency in English by: 

• Meeting state and district criteria on the ACCESS 2.0 for ELLs (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) assessment.