Ellensburg School District

All families enrolling a student complete a Home Language Survey. If a language other than English is indicated, the student is screened using the WIDA Screener (a state-approved English proficiency test) within 10 school days.

Eligible students may receive support through:

• Title III (Federal): Provides supplemental services, family engagement support, and professional development for staff.

• TBIP – Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program (State): Offers core language instruction and support for English learners.

Students are placed in instructional programs that support both their language development and academic growth.

English Language Development (ELD) is offered in the following ways:

• Sheltered instruction and co-teaching in content-area classrooms

• Designated ELD time using research-based instructional strategies

• Supportive mainstream instruction led by bilingual or ELL-endorsed staff

These models help ensure students build English skills while staying on track with grade-level learning.

Students exit EL services once they meet state-defined proficiency levels on the WIDA ACCESS assessment. After exiting, students are monitored for two years to ensure they continue to make academic progress.

If additional support is needed, students may be re-evaluated.

Parents or guardians of eligible students will receive a placement notification:

• Within 30 calendar days of the start of the school year, or

• Within 15 days of identification during the school year

Parents have the right to decline services in writing. Even if services are declined, the district will:

• Continue to assess English proficiency each year

• Monitor the student’s academic progress

All communication is provided in a language the family understands, using interpreters and translated documents when needed.

Federal Title III funding is used to:

• Provide translation and interpretation services

• Offer supplemental materials and learning opportunities

• Support educators working with multilingual learners

Each year, Ellensburg School District evaluates the effectiveness of multilingual programs. This includes:

• Reviewing student language growth and academic progress

• Gathering feedback from families and students

• Measuring professional learning outcomes for staff

This data is used to improve instructional practices and strengthen support services.

Designated ELD instructional staff must have:

• An English Language Learner or Bilingual Education endorsement

• Ongoing professional development in language development strategies