Program Placement and Proficiencey Assessment
Initial identification and placement: Any incoming student whose language background, as evidenced on his/her Home Language Survey, indicates that he/she might qualify for English Learner services is assessed for English proficiency using the W-APT, the WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test. The W-APT is an assessment instrument used throughout Tennessee public schools as a screener of English language proficiency.
There are five grade-level clusters:
- Kindergarten
- Grades 1-2
- Grades 3-5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
Each cluster assesses the four language domains of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing to determine a student's level in five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards:
- Social & Instructional Language
- Language of Language Arts
- Language of Mathematics
- Language of Science
- Language of Social Studies
The W-APT is administered to students individually by an EL faculty member. Following assessment, parents are notified of testing results and whether their child has qualified for EL services. Qualifying students receive daily EL services and are assessed for proficiency growth annually through state testing using the WIDA assessment.
Annual Proficiency Assessment: In the spring of each year, all ELs who are serviced daily or who are on Consult or Waiver are assessed with the WIDA language proficiency assessment. WIDA stands for World Class Instructional Design and Assessment. Like the W-APT, this instrument measures a student's language abilities in the four domaines of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. EL students across the state participate in this assessment.
For students grades 1-12, the assessment is delivered online in the school's computer lab. Students grades 1-3 complete a paper-pencil writing assessment. Kindergartners will take an individually-administered paper-pencil test. Results are shared with families at the start of the new school year and determine whether a student continues receiving EL services or begins to transition out of the EL program.
For information on WIDA-ACCESS assessment, view the assessments page.