Multilingual Learners

Shakopee schools follows the definition of English Learner as described in the 2017 MN State Statute section 124D.59, subdivision 2 as: 

1. the pupil, as declared by a parent or guardian uses a language other than English; and
2. the pupil is determined by a valid assessment measuring the pupil’s English language proficiency and by developmentally appropriate measures

Shakopee Schools will exclusively use “Multilingual Learner (ML)” instead of “English Learner (EL)” and “English Language Development teacher (ELD)” instead of “English Learner teacher (EL)”.  This change is an effort to recognize the assets, funds of knowledge, and linguistic capital of all individuals using English as an additional language.

Read More - EL vs MLL

The Power of words - click to view

WIDA - CLICK TO LEARN MORE

English learners (ELs) are identified through a two-step process: 1) identification of primary language using responses from parents or guardians on the Minnesota Language Survey (MNLS) completed upon enrollment and 2) screening for English language ability using a state-approved language proficiency assessment.  Based upon the results of the survey, a potential English learner must be screened using the age appropriate screener and confirm whether or not the student should be identified as an English learner.  

The WIDA screener is intended to determine English learner eligibility and provide a preliminary proficiency level for students.  ELD Teachers may use additional assessments to ensure students are placed in the appropriate ELD services such as:

• Native Language Literacy Assessment-NLLA
• FastBridge screening assessments in reading and math
• Foundational skills inventories (PAST, CORE phonics, Developmental Spelling Inventories)

Placement decisions and determination of services will be made by a licensed English Language Development teacher and the Shakopee Program Model. Parents will receive notification within 10 school days of qualifying for EL services in the Shakopee School District.

The goal of Shakopee’s Multilingual program is to help students build content knowledge while simultaneously developing academic English. This means that the ELD standards (WIDA 2020 Framework) are used in tandem with the MN State Content Standards to provide an inclusive environment for multilingual learners and reduce pull out services.

Download WIDA ACCESS Information

English Language Development (ELD) services will vary based on the students language need and proficiency level.  The following describe how our ML service is provided at the elementary and secondary level:

Elementary:  

• New to Country Students: Newcomer students receive 30-45 minutes of designated English Language Development (ELD) instruction.
• Proficiency Levels 2-4: Students who are at an English proficiency levels  2-4 based on the WIDA Screener or ACCESS test receive integrated ELD instruction in a grade level content class. Students will receive either collaborative teaching or co-teaching with an ELD teacher during their school day. 

Secondary:  

• New to Country Students: Newcomer students begin with an ELD 100 class for elective credit.  High School students will follow a sequence of newcomer courses to support their academic language within the first year of school. 
• Proficiency Levels 2-4: Students who are at an English proficiency levels  2-4 based on the WIDA Screener or ACCESS test receive integrated ELD instruction in a grade level content class through co-teaching. 

Refusing EL Service: A parent/guardian has the right at any time to withdraw their child from the ELD program by providing written notice to the school district.  The written notice is good for one year.  

Parents/guardians must send another letter withdrawing their child from EL service if their child continues to qualify for EL service the following year.  

Decline of Services or Testing Letter

Letters should be sent to Monika Summer, Shakopee School District, 1200 Town Square, Shakopee, MN, 55379

Shakopee Schools follows the U.S. federal requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for monitoring and reporting qualifying MLs’ progress toward English language proficiency with the ACCESS Test. ACCESS Testing assesses students' academic language in the four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing. 

• What is ACCESS Testing - English 🇺🇸
• What is ACCESS Testing  - Spanish 🇪🇸 🇲🇽
• What is ACCESS Testing  - Russian 🇷🇺 🇺🇦
• What is ACCESS Testing  - Somali 🇸🇴
• What is ACCESS Testing  - Vietnamese 🇻🇳
• What is ACCESS Testing - other languages

ACCESS testing is administered every Spring. 

Refusing EL Service: A parent/guardian has the right at any time to refuse participation in the ACCESS test by providing written notice to the school district.  The written notice is good for one year.  

Parents/guardians must send another letter of refusal each year that their student qualifies as a multilingual learner. 

Decline of Services or Testing LetterLetters should be sent to Monika Summer, Shakopee School District, 1200 Town Square, Shakopee, MN, 55379

Shakopee Schools follows the Minnesota State requirements for students exiting the program. Students are exited from ML service when they have met proficiency on the ACCESS assessment.  Proficiency is determined by an overall composite score of 4.5, and three domains (reading, writing, listening & speaking) scoring at 3.5 or higher.

Students who are exited from ELD services are monitored for 2 years following their exit.  If, at any point during this 2 years, it is decided by a team (including, at a minimum, a core teacher, ELD teacher, the student and student’s parents, and administrative representation) that the student should again receive ELD services, based on data/evidence of an ELD need, the district can rescreen a student utilizing the WIDA Screener.  The results of the screener will be analyzed similarly to a new student and, if the student is found to be eligible for services based upon those scores, they may receive ELD services again.

Click to Access the Most Current Language Instruction Educational (LIEP) Plan

Click here to download the most current Language Access Plan