All school districts in which English Learners are enrolled are required to adopt language reclassification criteria and procedures. Reclassification is initiated when English Learners have developed the English language skills necessary to succeed in English only instruction in a curriculum designed for pupils of the same age whose native language is English.
(EC 52166.1) The District is responsible for the initial identification of English Learners and their eventual reclassification to Fluent English proficient. This process begins with the Home Language Survey and includes annual assessment with the California English Language Development Test (CELDT).
Provisions for documenting procedures, testing, and deliberations are essential at every juncture in the English language proficiency assessment process, including initial identification, reclassification, and monitoring the progress of the reclassified student. Such documentation will assist the instructional personnel in proper program placement and in responding to inquiries about specific student.
Assessment of English Language Proficiency using the CELDT
All English Learners shall be tested annually using the CELDT. The testing schedule will be provided by the Office of K-12 Instructional Programs and will comply with the testing window as indicated by the California Department of Education. The CELDT will be administered by trained personnel provided through the Office of K-12 Instructional Programs. The CELDT will be used as the primary criterion for determining English Language Proficiency. Students will be considered for reclassification if all of the following is attained:
• Overall proficiency level is Early Advanced or higher
• Listening/speaking is Intermediate or higher
• Reading is Intermediate or higher
• Writing is Intermediate or higher
Students meeting the above criteria on the annual CELDT will be considered for reclassification and the Office of K-12 Instructional Programs will complete sections A and B of the Student Language Profile Form-Reclassification. This form will be forwarded to the site Principal.
Teacher Evaluation
The site shall be responsible for determining if the student meets reclassification criteria through teacher evaluation. Student academic performance as reflected through academic marks shall be the basis for teacher evaluation. Secondary students shall demonstrate readiness through achieving a C average or better in core curriculum courses (Language Arts/English, Math, Science and Social Science). Elementary students shall demonstrate readiness by meeting or exceeding grade level standards in those subjects as indicated by a mark of 3 or 4 on the report card.
Another option for determining readiness for reclassification through teacher evaluation is the Language Review Team assessment. The Language Review Team shall be comprised of all core curriculum teachers and an administrator and/or counselor, who shall meet, examine student work, discuss language readiness and determine a finding as to whether the student’s grades are due to a lack of English proficiency or some other factor. Incurred deficits in motivation and academic success unrelated to English language proficiency do not preclude a student from reclassification.
Student Success Team
If a student has met the reclassification criteria through the CELDT and Teacher Evaluation, a Student Success Team meeting is scheduled. The parent must be present at this meeting. Parental opinion or consultation during an SST reclassification meeting is required. Notice must be provided to parents of their right to attend and they shall be encouraged to participate in the process. Students may be reclassified at an SST meeting without the parent present only if the following has occurred:
- It has been clearly documented that a minimum of three parent contacts have been made which notify the parent that an SST for reclassification needs to be scheduled.
Comparison of Performance in Basic Skills
Before reclassification, it must be determined that an English Learner can participate effectively in a curriculum designed for pupils of the same age whose native language is English. This determination shall be based on student performance on the following:
• Grades 1 - 2 Grade level on District and Site Assessments, (Language Arts)
• Grades 3 - 12 STAR: performance level of Basic or above on the California Standards Test in English/Language Arts
In order to be considered for reclassification, a student shall be in grades 1-12.
A determination is made by the SST as to whether or not the reclassification is appropriate. The signatures on the Student Language Profile Form-Reclassification indicate approval of the SST’s determination. Parents must agree and consent to the student’s reclassification.
A follow-up evaluation is made by the Office of K-12 Instructional Programs within 60 days of the reclassification. If the follow-up data indicates that the student is not achieving at the appropriate level, another SST meeting is held to determine an appropriate course of action.
If the student is achieving satisfactorily, he/she is reclassified as Fluent English Proficient. English Learner program services are no longer required. The student continues in the regular instructional program. If the student is not achieving satisfactorily, another SST meeting is held to determine the appropriate course of action.
Site coordinators and principals are responsible for monitoring student performance for 2 years based on the following measures: (1) grades and (2) District multiple measures.
