May 22, 2009



ISBE DELL e-Broadcast 2009.161 - Updated Information Regarding FY10 Screening for Pre-K/K Students

Beginning on July 01, 2009 (2009-2010 school year), all school districts in the State of Illinois are required to use the WIDA MODEL™  as a screener for students entering Kindergarten to determine students’ English language proficiency and identify students eligible to receive ELL services.  Children who score below a 4.0 on either the Speaking or Listening domain of the WIDA MODEL™ are considered limited English proficient and are eligible for language support services

Students, age 3 and 4, entering Pre-K will be screened using the Pre-IPT® Oral English Language Proficiency Test. Three year old children scoring below Level D

(A, B, or C) are considered limited English proficient and are eligible for language support services. Four year old children scoring below level E (A, B, C, D) are considered limited English proficient and are eligible for language support services.

Any school district that has started to screen Pre-K/K students with the WIDA MODEL™ must inform the Division of English Language Learning by sending an email to Ilyse Leland at ileland@isbe.net by May 29, 2009.  Should you have any additional questions regarding this request, please call 312-814-3850.

 

CHART for DETERMINING PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY for Pre-K/K STUDENTS

 
DOMAINS ASSESSED
ELL Program Eligibility Determination

GRADE

Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing

Pre-K Age 3
X
X

 

 

Score at Level A, B, or C (any level below Level D)

Pre-K Age 4
X
X

 

 

Score at Level A, B, C, or D (any level below Level E)

Kindergarten
(1st Semester)
X
X

 

 

If either the Listening or Speaking proficiency level is below 4.0 the student is eligible for services.

Kindergarten
(2nd Semester)
X
X
X
X

If the overall composite level is below 4.0, the student is eligible for ELL services.