CAPELL

Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners

ENGLISH LANGUAGE
LEARNERS AND SPECIAL
EDUCATION:
A RESOURCE HANDBOOK
2011

Acknowledgements
We wish to thank the CAPELL Special Education Resource Guide Committee for its hard work and
dedication in the development of this guide. We would also like to thank the CAPELL members for their
input and Marie Salazar Glowski for her support on behalf of the Connecticut State Department of
Education.

Dedication
This guide is dedicated to English language learners and those who help them to succeed in their education
and beyond.

Helene Becker, ELL Education Department, Norwalk Public Schools

Sue Goldstein, Regional Multicultural Magnet School, New London

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Second Language Acquisition ............................................................................................................. 5
Frequently Asked Questions about Second Language Acquisition ..................................................... 7
Frequently Asked Questions From Across the Disciplines ................................................................. 8
A Word of Caution ............................................................................................................................ 11
Recommended Procedure .................................................................................................................. 13
Sample Parent/Caregiver Interview .................................................................................................. 15
Check List.......................................................................................................................................... 17
Assessments....................................................................................................................................... 20
Translation Resources & Services ..................................................................................................... 23
Terminology ...................................................................................................................................... 29
Overview of Legislation Pertaining to English Language Learners (ELLs) ..................................... 32
Appendix A: Connecticut English Mastery Standard ...................................................................... 34
Appendix B: LAS Links Proficiency Levels .................................................................................... 35
Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 36

INTRODUCTION

Connecticut is committed to ensuring a free and appropriate public education for all students. This
includes providing equal access to English Language Learners (ELLs) who may also have special
learning needs or disabilities, and giving these students equal access to appropriate educational
services. The purpose of this resource book is to provide educators with information that will:
Explain the process and developmental stages of second language acquisition
Promote a collaborative approach among teachers, administrators, and other personnel involved in
the education of ELLs.
Create an awareness of the laws, regulations, and policies related to the educational rights of ELLs.
Give school personnel other resources to utilize.
This project began in response to the needs, interests, and concerns expressed by many educators
working with ELLs who were experiencing academic difficulties.
The Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL) decided to
create this resource handbook to assist educators in meeting this need.

Second Language Acquisition

Second language acquisition is a complex process that develops over an extended period of time. It varies
with each individual student and is contingent on many factors that can affect the process. Since language
depends largely on the context in which it takes place and is acquired in varying degrees of proficiency, it
is useful to examine the various factors that affect it as they relate to the individual students learning and
academic growth. Some typical examples of these factors include:
Self-Concept

Self-confident students take risks with learning, get more opportunities to build
language skills, and are not as easily discouraged by errors.

Personality

Outgoing students usually take advantage of opportunities to practice their new

language with others.

Life
Experience

The prior knowledge and experience of students help in their development of related
language, vocabulary, and concepts. Students from war-torn countries may experience
more difficulty developing the trust necessary for developing language-learning skills in
a new environment. Students with diverse cultural traditions may be able to strengthen
their language learning skills by contrasting their life experiences with their new
environment.

Family
Situation

The home and family environment in which the student lives can greatly affect the
students academic success and educational experience. Students who have left family
members behind in their home countries may be unhappy. Students whose families are
experiencing financial and/or emotional difficulties may have trouble adjusting to the
new learning environment. Students who come from families that stress the importance
of education may have well-developed learning skills.

Culture

Cultural differences may influence students behavior in the classroom. Learning styles
may reflect cultural experiences. The role of parents in the educational process may also
reflect their cultural background and may differ from what is expected in American
schools.

Literacy

Literacy in a students first language facilitates the transfer of skills to a second

language. A student who is not literate in his or her first language may require
additional time to develop basic literacy skills. Additionally, a different writing system
(alphabet) may cause students difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling in a second
language.

Motivation
Students who are successful in the learning environment or those who are encouraged to
succeed are usually motivated to learn. All other factors listed here also influence
motivation.
5

Anxiety

Students who fear failure and the lack of social acceptance may experience anxiety that
interferes with their learning.

Instruction

Differentiated instructional programs that incorporate a variety of strategies designed to

reach individual students various learning styles and provide a rich language
environment offer the best chance of success for second language learners.

Teachers

Students will usually thrive with a caring teacher who offers ample opportunities for
learning in a stimulating multisensory environment.

Other
Students

All students should be encouraged to model effective learning strategies and appropriate
classroom behavior for their peers. Language minority students are often influenced by
good learning techniques and appropriate behavior demonstrated by their peers.

SchoolCommunity

A student whose first language and culture are appreciated and valued will develop a
positive self-concept and bring cultural richness to both the school and the community.

Similarities Between First and Second Language Acquisition

First language acquisition and second language acquisition show many similarities; however, educators may
focus on the difference in performance between a first language learner and a second language learner in the
classroom. When working with language minority students, it may be helpful for monolingual Englishspeaking teachers to draw on their knowledge of how children acquire a first language in order to better
understand the process of second language acquisition.
First language acquisition begins at birth and continues to develop substantially for the first 12 years.
Language continues to be acquired throughout ones adult life. When teachers understand the similarities
between first and second language acquisition, they can focus on the tasks the student can do rather than the
difficulties the student may be experiencing
Children learning their first language, and ELLs learning English, have these characteristics in common.
They:
Produce frequently used short phrases to initiate conversation or telegraphic speech in which key words
are used to convey the essential meaning (Boy catch ball.)
Use overgeneralizations of grammatical rules (He goed to school yesterday.)
Develop language in a nonlinear manner.
Acquire concrete (contextualized) language before abstract (decontextualized) language.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Language Acquisition

Will literacy skills transfer from first to second language?
If a student has learned academic skills such as reading, writing, and organization of information in a
first language, then these skills will be applied to academic learning as the second language develops.

Why isnt this student talking? Is the student learning anything?

All learners of a second language experience a time when they are acquiring receptive language before
they are able to produce it. They are listening but not yet speaking. This silent period parallels the stage
in first language acquisition when a child is internalizing language before he or she begins to talk. ELL
students in the classroom are silent as they internalize the vocabulary and rules of the new language
until they are confident enough to speak. Although an ELL student may be more comfortable speaking
with other second language learners within the ELL setting, the same student may remain silent in the
general education classroom while he or she builds this confidence.
The silent period is part of the learning process. During this period, students are making the needed
connections between the first language and the new language.

If a student sounds fluent in English, why is he or she still in the ELL program?
Conversational proficiency is the ability to use language in face-to-face communication which can take
one to three years. Academic proficiency is the ability to carry out school-related literacy tasks this
can take anywhere from five to ten years, depending on the individual student. A framework developed
by Jim Cummins, a researcher in second language acquisition, is often used to explain the difference
between conversational (BICS Basic Interpersonal Conversation Skills) and academic proficiency
(CALP Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency).

If a student has exited from an ELL program, why does he or she still have
problems with content?
It is likely to take anywhere from five to ten years for students to demonstrate mastery at the cognitive
academic language proficiency (CALP) level. Therefore, it is important for the general education
teacher to recognize that exited ELL students will need ongoing support as they continue to work
toward grade-level performance.

How can we appropriately challenge ELL students in the classroom?

The goal for second language students is to function as proficient learners in the classroom. If an ELL
is given a task that he or she cannot compete successfully because the task is beyond the students
current level of language functioning, then the student may lose his or her motivation to succeed.
Therefore, it is imperative to know the students English proficiency level and assign appropriate tasks
and challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions From Across the Disciplines

Below are questions frequently asked by administrators, classroom teachers, ELL teachers, and special
educators:

Can students receive both ELL and special education services?

Yes. There are no regulations that prohibit a student from participating in both programs. Once a
child qualifies for special education services, educators must look at his or her specific social, language,
and academic needs and select the appropriate instructional program to meet those needs, while ensuring
the minimum amount of fragmentation of the academic day. This collaborative model may include
participation in one or both programs.

What is the process for entering and exiting the ELL program?
The Home Language Survey should be administered to each student registering in Connecticut public
schools. If the Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English, the student should be
screened for ELL services. If students qualify for ELL services they are assessed on an annual basis to
determine progress. When a student meets the Connecticut English Mastery Standard (See Appendix) he
or she exits the ELL program.

How long do we wait before referring an ELL student for possible special education
services?
A referral to special education can be made by a parent at anytime. A Planning and Placement Team (PPT)
meeting must be held upon a parents referral for a special education evaluation. There is no time
restriction for staff referring an ELL for evaluation when:
An early intervention process (see page 14) has been followed within a systematic framework such as
Scientifically Researched-Based Intervention (SRBI).
Interventions, instructional strategies, and program options implemented have proven unsuccessful.

Can ELLs who have had little or no previous formal education in their home countries
be referred for special education?
Yes, but if the disability requiring special education services is due to lack of instruction in either reading or
math, then the child cannot be identified as a child with a disability under IDEA. While a students previous
formal education history will likely affect the students academic performance in United States schools,
limited schooling in and of itself does not constitute a true disability. However, since many countries do not
offer special education alternatives, students with special needs are frequently excluded from school in those
countries. These students may not have received appropriate services. In other cases, the students difficulty
in a U.S. school may be the result of a lack of formal education rather than disability.

Should parents be encouraged to speak their native language or be advised to speak

only English with their children at home?
Parents should be encouraged to speak in the language in which they are most proficient in order to
create a language-enriched environment in the home. Current studies on the effect of bilingualism on the
academic growth of students conclude that when children maintain their first language ability, they
transfer skills to their second language. In fact, native language proficiency is a powerful predictor of the
rate of second language acquisition.
On the other hand, when parents who are not proficient in English are encouraged to speak only English
with their children, the communication of concepts may be hindered, and the richness of language may
be lost. It is far better for parents to converse and read aloud to their children in their dominant
language.

Does language switching signify a problem?

Language mixing or code switching involves alternating words or phrases from one language to another.
Evidence of this process is not necessarily an indication of inadequacy in language development. Code
switching is not necessarily due to an inability to come up with the right word or phrase in a language; it
may reflect a skill that evolves through high levels of proficiency in both languages. Research has
shown that code switching among normal bilingual speakers allows for greater precision in
communication, especially of cultural topics. Language mixing is typical as children start to acquire
vocabulary and language skills in a second language.

How should special education teachers, ELL teachers, general education teachers,
and speech and language pathologists work together as a team?
Ideally, collaboration is occurring to shape a program of services for which all children can benefit from
the expertise these individuals provide. Yet, it becomes more important for focused conversations to
begin around an individual student as soon as the student begins to exhibit academic difficulties. In the
case of preschool children, the collaboration should be no different and should begin to be more
individually focused as soon as the child exhibits developmental delays. The expertise of educators in
different disciplines can help establish changes in the curriculum, develop appropriate strategies to help
the ELL student, and monitor student progress. A team approach promotes support for differentiated
instruction and the sharing of ideas and materials. The team can also determine timelines for further
action and the need for further assessment.

Do ELLs need an IEP or 504 plan to receive accommodations on tests?

No. All ELLs are entitled to receive testing accommodations on state, district and classroom tests,
although these accommodations are limited in number and differ from what is available for students
with an IEP or 504 Plan. (See the Test Coordinators Handbook for CMT & CAPT accommodations on
the Connecticut State Department of Education website.) If an ELL is also identified as disabled as
defined by IDEA, or Section 504, then these accommodations would need to be determined by a PPT or
504 team meeting, respectively, and must be included in the childs individualized education program
(IEP) or 504 plan.
9

What should teachers do if a language minority student, who has never been
designated as an ELL begins to exhibit difficulty in the classroom?
Students who have never been identified as ELLs may perform below grade level during the time it
takes to achieve age-appropriate levels of cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). These
students continue to need support from their classroom teachers as they further develop and refine
their language and academic skills.

If research indicates that it can take from five to seven years (or longer) to acquire
cognitive academic language proficiency, shouldnt we wait that length of time
before referring a student for special education?
No. ELL students may exhibit disabilities at any point in the process of acquiring a second language.

Should ELL and special education staff members coordinate common services?
Yes. Service coordination is critical to the success of ELLs with special needs; they have legal rights
to both services.

How do we know if an ELL should be referred for special education services?

When a student is not proficient in English and is experiencing an unusual amount of academic
difficulties, it can be a challenge to determine if the difficulty stems from the language difference or
from a true disability that has an adverse impact on education that would require the provision of
special education and related services. In many cases, school personnel may never know for sure the
reason behind the students difficulties. However, there are recommended procedures (see following
section) to help reach the most accurate conclusions possible. In the end, even if school personnel are
not totally confident in the accuracy of the conclusion, the important result of the process is that the
student receives appropriate services and the best chance for academic success.

10

A Word of Caution
Avoiding Over-identification
Language learning takes time; it is normal for ELLs to need many years to become proficient in the
English language. ELLs should not be considered deficient simply because they are not yet
proficient in English, in the same way that a native speaker of English should not be considered
deficient simply because they have not yet learned calculus!
Research in second language acquisition states that most ELLs learn basic conversational language
relatively quickly (1-3 years) , but take much longer to master academic language ( 5-7 years or
longer). Therefore, we cannot assume that because an ELL is having academic difficulties, the ELL
has a disability. Here is a summary of characteristics of typical ELLs which may be mistaken as signs
of learning or behavioral disabilities:
Learning Issues (What it may seem like)

Reason Difficulty Seen in Typical ELLs

Academic Learning difficulties

ELLs often have difficulty with grade-level academic

language and concepts because it takes at least five
years for nonnative speakers to display native-speaker
like functioning in academics.

Language disorder

Lack of fluency and correct syntax is a natural part of

learning a new language. Students may require more
wait time as they process an utterance in one
language and translate into another. This wait time
may be misinterpreted as a language processing issue.

Attention and memory problems

ELLs may have difficulty paying attention and

remembering if they cannot relate new information to
their previous experiences in their respective cultures.
ELLs may also be experiencing exhaustion due to the
task of learning in a language in which they are not yet
proficient.

Withdrawn behavior

When students are learning a new language and

adapting to a new culture a silent period is normal.
Also, this behavior might be appropriate in the
students culture.

Aggressive behavior

The student may not understand appropriate school

behavior and language in the US. Also this behavior
may be appropriate in the students culture.

Social and Emotional problems

When students are learning to live in a new culture and

using a new language, social and emotional problems
often develop.
11

Avoiding Under-identification
Even though it takes time to learn a language, we need to recognize that some ELLs, just as students
in the English-speaking population, do have disabilities that may make them eligible for special
education. As mentioned above, because it is difficult to determine if an ELLs difficulties stem from
learning a new language or from a true disability, some school districts are reluctant to consider
referring ELLs for special education services until the student has been learning English for a predetermined number of years usually two or three. This practice of waiting a number of years before
referring a student for special education services is detrimental to ELLs who may truly have
disabilities.
Here are some possible reasons for initiating a special education referral for an ELL:

The ELL is exhibiting the academic/behavioral difficulties in both first and second languages.
The ELL teacher supports the position that the ELL is performing differently from his/her
cultural peers.
The ELL displays very little or no academic progress resulting from appropriate instructional
strategies, alternative instruction, or academic interventions.
Parents confirm the academic/behavioral difficulties seen in the school setting.
School personnel such as tutors and aides confirm the academic/behavioral difficulties seen in
the classroom setting.

12

Recommended Procedure
It is suggested that the procedure outlined in the following Early Intervention Flowchart be used to
determine if, in fact, a special education referral is warranted for an ELL. The steps are similar to the
steps for native speakers of English, with three notable differences:

At every point in the process, the ELL staff should be involved. It is often the ELL staff that
best knows the strengths and limitations of the ELL, and can help determine if the difficulties
the ELL is experiencing are excessive when compared to other ELLs of similar background.

Because of the complexity of determining if an ELL has a disability, information should be

collected from as many sources and in as many ways as possible both at school and at home.
All the information together should be used to determine if a referral to special education is
warranted.

As noted in the flowchart, a native-language assessment is often desirable at a certain point in

the process. The school must ensure that the evaluations are in the language most likely to
yield accurate information on what the child knows and can do academically, developmentally,
and functionally, unless it is clearly not feasible to provide or administer. It is important to
keep in mind, however, that an ELL may have lost some proficiency in the native language if
he/she has not been learning academics through that language. In fact, some ELLs, especially
those born in this country may only have oral skills in their native language because they
began their schooling in English. However, if it is found that the ELL is dominant in the native
language, any further testing to determine if the student has a disability will yield more
accurate results if administered in the dominant language. A true disability will manifest itself
in all languages that the student knows.

13

EARLY INTERVENTION FLOWCHART FOR ELLS*

ELL experiences difficulty in the classroom .

STEPS

Teacher attempts a variety of strategies to resolve the students

difficulty. Teacher documents students progress, behavior,
contacts parents, and uses interpreters as needed.

ELL shows progress.

Teacher continues to
implement effective
interventions and
monitor students
progress.

ELL continues to experience difficulty after various

interventions are implemented.

ELL teacher or other personnel interviews parent using Sample

Parent/Caregiver Interview Form in appropriate language. (See
following document)

Teacher requests assistance from the in-school problemsolving team which must include the ELL teacher and input from the
parents or family (including information from the Sample
Parent/Caregiver Interview Form), and interpreter, as needed. Parents
may be invited to this meeting.

ELL shows progress.

Teacher continues to
implement effective
interventions and
monitor students
progress.

ELL shows progress.

Teacher continues to
implement effective
interventions and
monitor students
progress.

1.

2.

3.

4.

The in-school problem -solving team develops intervention plan,

time frame for intervention, and follow-up meeting.

5.

ELL continues to experience difficulty after team generated interventions are implemented.

6.

In-school problem -solving team reconvenes, reevaluates intervention plan, and assesses student progress.

7.

In-school problem solving team modifies

or expands intervention plan and establishes adjusted time frame.

In-school problem -solving team requests

language assessment in both languages (if
possible) to determine language proficiency in both languages..

In-school problem -solving team reviews results from language assessment and
arranges for Pupil Personnel Team (PPT) meeting (must include the ELL
teacher).

* During this process, if a parent refers his/her child for a special education evaluation, the district may
not delay holding a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting to discuss the referral.
14

8.

9.

Sample Parent/Caregiver Interview for Determining Students

Language Dominance and Past School History
The following interview (adapted from many sources) should be conducted in the parents native
language, if possible. Please note that the tone of the interview is important; parents and caregivers need
to feel that they are in a safe environment and that the information they are giving will only help in their
childs education. Establishing an atmosphere of trust is crucial in order to obtain accurate information
from parents and caregivers. Parents/caregivers may be reluctant to answer honestly because of prior
experiences in the education systems in their native countries. It is critical to explain to parents/
caregivers that if their child is identified at some point as having learning difficulties, the United States
education system will support and educate their child.
Dear Parent or Guardian,
In order to provide your child with the best education possible, we need to know about his/her language
and education background. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions below. Your honesty
and thoughtfulness in answering these questions is greatly appreciated and will directly benefit your
childs education.
About your child:
If there is more than one language spoken in your house, please feel free to include them all in your
answers.
When your child was a baby:
1. What language did you speak to your child when he/she was a baby or young child? ____________
2. In what language did your child say his/her first words? ________________
3. In what language did your child speak as a baby or young child?__________________
4. What language did other people in your house (other caregivers, babysitters, siblings, relatives)
speak to your child when he/she was a baby or young child? ____________________
5. What language did you use to sing and/or read to your child when he/she was a baby or young
child? _____________________

15

At the present time:

1. What language is spoken in the childs home or residence most of the time? _______________
2. What language do you mostly use to speak to your child now? ____________________
3. What language does your child mostly speak to you? ______________________
4. What language does your child prefer to speak to others (siblings, caregivers, babysitters,
relatives)? __________________________
5. When you have to give your child directions quickly which language do you use? ______________
Other School Experiences:
1. Did your child attend preschool? _____ If yes, what was the language used by the teachers?
________________
For students entering school in a grade other than kindergarten:
1. Does your child know how to read? __________ If yes, in what language?________________
Does your child know how to write?___________ If yes, in what language?_______________
Does your child know how to read and write in his/her first language?______________
2. Is this the first time the child has attended a school in the United States?____________
3.

If no, where did he/she go to school previously? _________________________What language

was used for instruction?_______________________

4. Was there any interruption in your childs education? ________ If so, for how
long?_______________
5. Was your child in a rural or urban setting?______________
6. What was the length of the school day?__________
7. Did your child attend school daily/consistently?__________
8. In what month did the school year begin?___________
9. In what month did the school year end? _____________
10. When were school vacations? ______________________________
11. Has your child ever had difficulties learning?___________________ If yes, please explain
briefly__________________________________________________________________
12. Has your child ever received special services (teachers) to help his/her learning?____________
If yes, please explain briefly______________________________________________________
13. Is there anything more you would like to tell us about your childs prior school experience?
___________________________________________________________________________
Parent /Caregiver Questions
1. In what language would you like to receive written information from the school? ______________
2. In what language would you prefer to communicate orally with school staff? __________________
16

Is this Special Education Referral Appropriate for an English Language Learner?

Here is a checklist to help assure that school personnel have collected all pertinent information
available in order to determine if a referral for special education is warranted.
Yes No Dont
A Checklist
Know
1. Does the Child have age-appropriate development in *L1?
a. Has the child been regularly exposed to L1 literacy-related material?
b. Is the childs vocabulary in L1 well-developed?
c. Was the childs L1 fluent and well-developed when s/he began learning
English?
d. Have the childs parents been encouraged to speak and/or read in L1 at
home?
2. Has the students personal data and family history been investigated and

Done

Done

Done

L1 = first (home) language

reviewed?
a. A complete profile has emerged and no factors (high degree of mobility,
missing parent(s), poverty, poor attendance, etc.) that could possibly
contribute to the students difficulty have been identified.
Find information about personal and/or family factors if any item has been
checked no.
3. Has the students health data, both past and present, been investigated and
reviewed?
a. A complete health profile has emerged and no factors (impaired hearing or
vision, chronic dental pain, malnutrition, post traumatic stress syndrome,
etc.) that could possibly contribute to the students difficulty have been
identified.
Find information about physical and psychological factors if any item has been
checked no.
4. Have the students school records (past and present) been located, reviewed
and analyzed? If past records are not available, have other means of gathering
this data been implemented?
a. Has the student participated in a quality bilingual/ESL program(s) in
previous years (see question #1 above)?
b. Has the student had the benefit of uninterrupted formal schooling
throughout his/her educational career?
c. Has the students previous schooling been at the same level of rigor as
his/her current schooling?
d. Does the language of instruction in the students previous schooling match
the language of instruction in the students current learning environment?
Find information about previous schooling factors if any item has been checked
no.
L2 = English

Yes No

Dont
Know

A Checklist
5. Has data been collected, reflecting both strengths and difficulties,

Done

Done

Done

L1= First (home) language

regarding the students linguistic and literacy development?

a. Results from assessments in previous years are available.
b. Results of a standardized language proficiency test (always in L2 and
in L1 whenever possible) are less than 4 months old.
c. Student work samples in L1 and L2 (oral language samples, reading
samples, writing samples, and performance-based assessments) have
been collected over time, reviewed, and analyzed.
d. Teacher observations/narratives document and concur with work
samples about the students language use in the learning environment.
e. Language use patterns and language dominance have been determined
appropriately.
Find information about linguistic/literacy development factors if any item has been
checked no.
6. Has data been collected regarding the students academic achievement?

a. Results from assessments in previous years are available.

b. Results of a standardized achievement test (in L2 and in L1 whenever
possible) are less than 4 months old.
c. Results in L2 are interpreted with full understanding as to the limits of
validity and reliability for an ELL.
d. Student work samples in L1 and L2 (oral language samples, reading
samples, writing samples, and performance-based assessments),
across subject/content areas have been collected over time, reviewed,
and analyzed.
e. Teacher observations/narratives document and concur with work
samples about the students academic achievement.
f. Language use patterns and language dominance have been determined
appropriately.
Find information about academic achievement factors if any item has been
checked no.
7. Has data been collected regarding the students cultural development?
a. The students culture has been identified and staff is cognizant of
similarities and potential mismatches or conflicts with the dominant or
school culture.
b. A profile has emerged indicating the students capacity to function
competently in the new non-native culture.
c. There is no indication of trauma exposure or post-traumatic stress
syndrome.
d. The student demonstrated the necessary resilience and coping skills to
navigate both the new, non-native culture represented by the dominant
(school) culture as well as the native, family or community culture.
Find information about cultural factors if any item has been checked no.
L2= English

18

Yes

No

Dont
Know

A Checklist
8. Have appropriate interventions, capitalizing on students strengths and

Done

Done

Done

reflective of best practice in the field of bilingual/ESL education,

been suggested, implemented, and documented in an attempt to
remedy the students difficulty?
a. Does the teacher(s) have sufficient training to implement the
intervention(s)?
b. Does the teacher(s) have sufficient materials and resources to
implement the intervention(s)?
c. Is there sufficient documentation to articulate the success or
failure of a suggested intervention? Consider both time and a
variety of contexts.
Find information about intervention factors if any item has been checked
no.
9. Have other additional programming alternatives been tried in addition
to, not in place of, bilingual/ESL programming? Consider Title I,
after-school programs, one-on-one tutoring, reading assistance,
reading recovery, summer school, counseling, social work, extracurricular activities, etc.
Find information about alternative programming factors if the answer has
been checked no.
10. Have all the students teachers, his/her parents and other personnel
worked together to create a linguistically, academically and culturally
appropriate and supportive learning environment for the student
experiencing difficulty?
a. Has the child been regularly exposed to enriching experiences
such as going to museums, libraries, etc.?
Find information about collaboration and learning environment factors if the
answer has been checked no.

Notes or Comments:

signature of staff member completing this form

date

If many of the answers to these questions are yes and the student continues to
experience difficulty, staff should consider that the student is experiencing
difficulty outside the realm of normal development and achievement that is
typical for English Language Learners. In such a case, a request for special
education evaluation would be warranted.
L1= First (home) language

L2= English

Checklist adapted with permission from Barbara Marler, Consultant at the Illinois Resource Center.

19

Assessments
The following are some of the assessments available for gathering additional information to help in
determining whether an ELL is eligible for special education. When assessing an ELL to determine if
he/she has a disability that would require special education, evaluations must be selected that are not
discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis. When a non-discriminatory evaluation instrument cannot
be found, the decision-making team must be made aware of the limitations of the instrument.
Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the school must ensure that the evaluations are administered in the
language most likely to yield accurate information on what the child knows and can do academically,
developmentally, and functionally, unless it is clearly not feasible to provide or administer. It is
important to remember that tests normed solely on native English-speaking students have limited validity
for ELLs and must be viewed in that light. Using more than one measure or assessment to determine
whether a child has a disability and to determine an appropriate educational program is required. Tests are
only one source of information, and therefore, it is required to gather evidence from multiple sources (such
as past educational history, teacher input, etc.) as noted earlier in this guide.
This is not an exhaustive list of assessments, but rather a starting point. Other assessments that may be
helpful in gathering information about ELLs should be added as the assessments are developed.
Norm Referenced Assessments
Aprenda
Aprenda is a Spanish achievement test for native speakers of Spanish from kindergarten through grade nine.
It is available through Harcourt Assessment, Inc. Aprenda III was introduced in 2005. It is used to assess
student achievement and critical thinking skills in reading, math, language arts, science, and social sciences.
Batera Woodcock Muoz Revisada
This is a test in Spanish available through Riverside Publishing. It parallels the Woodcock-Johnson, which
is described below, with both an academic (Pruebas de Aprovechamiento Revisada) and a cognitive
(Pruebas de Habilidad Cognitive Revisada) section.
Bilingual Verbal Ability Test (BVAT)
Available through Riverside Publishing, the BVAT is a test to evaluate a bilingual students academic
readiness, assist in placing a bilingual student in an appropriate program, and plan a suitable program for the
student. The overall test score is based on the students knowledge and reasoning skills using both English
and his/her native language. It is available in the following 15 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French,
German, Haitian-Creole, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, and
Vietnamese.

20

It consists of three individually administered parts:

Picture Vocabulary The student names a pictured object with the pictures gradually becoming
more difficult. This measures word retrieval ability.
Oral Vocabulary Again, the test questions gradually become more difficult as the student is
required to give synonyms and antonyms. These questions measure knowledge of word meaning.
Verbal Analysis Students are required to figure out the relationship between two words and then
find a word that fits the same relationship to a third word. This part measures verbal reasoning.
Administration of all parts is done in English first. When a student gives an incorrect response, it is then readministered in his/her native language. Scores can be interpreted as either age-based or grade-based.
Kaufman Test of Education Achievement, Second Edition (KTEA-II)
The KTEA-II, available in English only, is published by American Guidance Service, Inc. and is available
through Pearson. It provides an assessment of academic skills in reading, math, written language, and oral
language. The results demonstrate how a student takes in information and expresses ideas. It pinpoints an
individuals difficulties and assists in placement decisions and instructional planning. There are two forms
the Comprehensive Form and the Brief Form. The Comprehensive Form provides composite scores for
grade one students and older in reading, math, written language, and oral language. Six additional subtests
measure reading related skills and provide diagnostic information. The Brief Form has subtests in reading,
math, and written expression and can be used for a quick measurement of achievement. It also can be used
after the Comprehensive Form for retesting.
Language Assessment System (LAS) Links in English or Spanish
Assesses English or Spanish language ability and proficiency from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Helps to
determine primary language proficiency. Assesses listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in one or
both languages.
Logramos
The Logramos is a Spanish achievement test for math, language, reading comprehension, word analysis,
vocabulary, and listening comprehension. Spanish dominant students from kindergarten through 12 th grade
can be given the test to determine their native language proficiency and to help with their instruction.
Logramos is a group administered assessment available through Riverside Publishing.
TONI-3
Available through Pearson, the TONI-3 is a language-free assessment of nonverbal intelligence and
reasoning abilities. A culturally-reduced test, it is a measure of problem solving, abstract reasoning
intelligence, and aptitude that does not require reading, writing, speaking, or listening. It is appropriate for
those who have or are believed to have disorders of communication or thinking such as language disability,
stroke, disease, head injury, or other neurological impairment. Responses simply require an individual to
nod, point, or give a symbolic gesture to indicate a response.

21

Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 2nd Edition (WIAT-II)

The WIAT-II is published by The Psychological Corporation and is available through Pearson. It can be
used to assess an individuals achievement skills, in addition to diagnosing a learning disability, placing a
student in special education, and planning curriculum. It can be given to ages four through adult. Only
available in English, its subtests include: oral language, listening comprehension, written expression,
spelling, numerical operations, and mathematics reasoning. The subtests include easier and more
challenging items. The WIAT-II examines how an individual solves problems and uses strategies.
Woodcock-Johnson III NU Test of Achievement
Published by Riverside Publishing, this test measures academic achievement and is used to help determine
if a student needs special services. In addition the test can be used to determine learning variations and to
plan educational programs and individual programs. There are two parallel forms. The Standard Battery has
12 tests that provide a wide set of scores; the extended battery has 10 tests which produce more in-depth
diagnostic information on specific academic strengths and weaknesses. The Woodcock-Johnson III Nu Test
can be given from kindergarten through 12th grade. It tests oral expression, listening comprehension, written
expression, basic reading skills, reading comprehension, reading fluency, mathematics calculation, and
mathematics reasoning. Each individual test takes approximately five minutes to administer.

Criterion Referenced Assessments

Brigance Diagnostic Assessment of Basic Skills (Spanish)
Published by Curriculum Associates, Inc., the Brigance Diagnostic Assessment of Basic Skills can be
administered to ELLs from kindergarten through 6th grade. It is a test for students whose native language is
Spanish to determine whether a students weakness is due to limited English proficiency or to a specific
learning disability. In addition, it can be used to determine language dominance or to establish if a student is
working at grade level in academic subjects in Spanish.
The test consists of 10 sections:
Readiness
Speech
Recognition
Oral Reading
Word Analysis
Listening
Writing and alphabetizing
Number Computation
Measurement
A student does not need to take all sections of the test as the teacher/test administrator is encouraged to
mark off skills that he/she knows that the student has already mastered. The test is administered individually
and is untimed.
22

TRANSLATION RESOURCES & SERVICES

Compiled by Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL)
December 2008
TransACT A translation company specifically for written translation of school forms. You subscribe to one
of their plans; plans offer various levels of access to forms available.
website: www.transact.com
email: info@transact.com
phone: 425.977.2100
fax: 425.776.3377

mailing address:

TransACT Communications, Inc.

5105 200th Street SW, Suite 200
Lynnwood, WA 98036-6397

CyraCom A translation company that serves the medical/health care field primarily, but is also used by
schools and public service organizations, etc.); provides oral interpretation by phone and written document
translation; you become a client.
website: www.cyracom.com
email: info@cyracom.com
phone: 800-713-4950
fax: 520-745-9022 5780

mailing address:

CyraCom
North Swan Road
Tucson, Arizona 85718

Language Line Services A translation company (oral and written) that serves many fields; you open an
account with them to begin using their services.
website: www.languageline.com
email: WeCare@languageline.com
phone: 1-800-752-6096, option 2

mailing address:

World Headquarters
Language Line Services
1 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Bldg. 2
Monterey, CA 93940

Language Services Unlimited (LSU) A translation company (oral and written) that serves many fields.
website: www.languageservicesunlimited.com
email: bpaisley@languageservicesunlimited.com
phone: 770-682-5497 or 770-682-6581

Interpreters & Translators, Inc. (ITI) A translation company (oral and written) that serves many fields.
website: www.ititranslates.com
email: info@ititranslates.com
phone: 860.647.0686, toll-free: 800.648.0686
fax: 860.646.3590
office hours: 8am-5pm EST, M-F

mailing address:

Interpreters & Translators, Inc.

Corporate Headquarters
263 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042-3538

23

International Institute of Connecticut, Inc. A non-profit, non-sectarian social service agency dedicated to
the needs of immigrants, refugees, and their families. Services include: immigration citizenship and counseling,
refugee resettlement, matching grant program, employment training programs, Human Trafficking Project,
interpreter/translation services, immigrant court representation, English as a Second Language, community
education, and training.
website: www.iiconn.org OR
email: admin@iiconn.org

www.iiconn.org/InterpreteTranslationservices.htm

Main Office

Stamford Office

670 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06605
Tel. (203) 336-0141
Fax. (203) 339-4400

22 Grove St., P.O. Box 1090 330 Main St., 3rd Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel. (203) 965-7190
Tel. (860) 692-3085
Fax. (203) 425-8927
Fax. (860) 692-3089

Hartford Office

Global Link Translations and Interpreting Services A translation company that began its work primarily in
the medical field and who now serves clients including hospitals, businesses, Massachusetts and Connecticut
State Agencies, attorneys, human service agencies, and school systems; provides on-site interpreters.
website: www.gltranslations.com
mailing address:
email: info@globallinktranslations.com
Global Link Translations
phone: (413) 737-1888
Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise
fax: (413) 737-0188
1 Federal Street, Building 101

Center

Springfield, MA 01105
Global Link Language Services, Inc. A multilingual communication agency that provides translation,
interpreting, and localization solutions to a wide variety of clients primarily in the business sector.
website: www.languagetranslate.com
email: info@languagetranslate.com
phone: (617) 451-6655
fax: (617) 451-6644

mailing address:

Global Link Language Services, Inc.

Mercantile Wharf Building
71 Commercial Street, Suite 218
Boston, MA 02109

aLanguageBank A multilingual solutions company offering a complete spectrum of language services

including translation, interpretation, desktop publishing, transcription, web site localization, language proficiency
evaluations, and cultural consultation.
website: http://alanguagebank.com
email: info@alanguagebank.com
phone: (212) 213-3336
fax: (212) 343-2940

mailing address:

aLanguageBank
159 W 25th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10001

24

American Translation Association (ATA) A professional association founded to advance the translation and
interpreting professions and foster the professional development of individual translators and interpreters. Its
10,000 members in more than 90 countries include translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, web,
and software developers, language company owners, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. You can
find a translator or interpreter using their searchable online directory of translator and interpreter services.
website: www.atanet.org
email: ata@atanet.org
phone: (703) 683-6100
fax: (703) 683-6122

mailing address:

American Translators Association

225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 590
Alexandria, VA 22314

Language Bank at the Red Cross provides language and translation services in various activities of American
Red Cross. Volunteers also assist with translation for emergency and other various community needs.
website:

http://dsredcross.org/is_language.html

For more information contact Dana

Ross at 203-363-1041, ext. 23, or

email to dross@dsredcross.org.
Stamford Office

Darien
nd

112 Prospect Street, 2 Floor

Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: 203-363-1041
Fax: 203-324-4557
Email: stamfordinfo@dsredcross.org

Office
39 Leroy Ave
Darien, CT 06820
Phone: 203-655-2586
Fax: 203-655-2589
Email: darieninfo@dsredcross.org

Office Systems an entire description of services is not accessible at this time as the website is under
construction. For more information, please call (860)635-8485. Contact person, PJ Kamani, stated that they are
one of the largest services in the state of CT that does interpreting/translation work and that they have
experience translating in schools. There is no website for this company at this time, it is recommended that
interested parties call to inquire about the details regarding their range of services, primary costumers, and the
proficiency requirements of their interpreters and translators.
website: UNDER CONSTRUCTION
email:
phone: (860)635-8485
fax:

(12/8/08)

mailing address:

Office Systems
750 Main Street, Rm. 1010
Hartford, CT 06103

25

Call Your Regional Education Service Center (RESC) and inquire about services:
Link to Connecticut RESC-Alliance and Map of CT RESCs - http://rescalliance.org/contact.html
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)
general contact info for ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES)

350 State Street
North Haven, CT 06473
phone: (203) 498-6817
email: _____@aces.org
website: www.aces.org

Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) for questions regarding interpreter /interpreting
service needs, such as oral translation at parent meetings or evaluations conducted by bilingual
personnel in schools in the CREC region (Greater Hartford area), contact Gio Koch, Recruitment
and Brokering Coordinator at CREC. CREC does not provide written translation services.
website: www.crec.org/tabs
phone: 860-509-3686
email: gkoch@crec.org

Capitol Region Education Council (CREC)

111 Charter Oak Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
phone: (860) 247-2732
email: _____@crec.org
website: www.crec.org

general contact info for CREC:

Cooperative Educational Services (CES)

general contact info for CES:

Cooperative Educational Services (CES)

40 Lindeman Drive
Trumbull, CT 06611
phone: (203) 365-8800
email: info@ces.k12.ct.us
website: www.ces.k12.ct.us

EASTCONN
general contact info for EASTCONN:

EASTCONN
376 Hartford Turnpike
Hampton, CT 06247
phone: (860) 455-0707
email: InfoRequest@eastconn.org
website: www.eastconn.org

26

Education Connection, Danbury Office for interpretation needs (in Portuguese and Spanish) in
Birth to 3 and School Readiness programs only, contact Catia Monaco at Education Connection.
website: http://www.educationconnection.org/new/programs/prog_earlychildhood.php
phone: 203-791-1904, x 142
email: monaco@educationconnection.org
general contact info for Education Connection:
Litchfield Office:

Danbury Office:

P.O. Box 909

355 Goshen Road
Litchfield, CT 06759-0909

345 Main Street

Danbury, CT 06810
phone: (203) 791-1904

phone: (860) 567-0863

fax: (860) 567-3381

fax: (203) 778-8076

LEARN
LEARN
44 Hatchetts Hill Rd
Old Lyme, CT 06371
phone: (860) 434-4800
fax: (860) 434-4837
email: ____@learn.k12.ct.us
website: www.learn.k12.ct.us
William Wuyke (860)439-2555, wcwuy@conncoll.edu, independent contractor/consultant for
translation/interpreting work. Please direct questions concerning his services directly to him.
general contact info for LEARN:

Eneida Silva clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist; independent contractor for bilingual
psychological and achievement evaluations and translations in Spanish.
Hartford Office address:

Advanced Psychological Services, LLC.

682 Prospect Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105

Tolland Office address:

Advanced Psychological Services, LLC.

384D Route 195
Tolland, CT 06084

Telephone for both offices: 860-236-2555

Email: eneidasilva@cox.net

27

Florelia Baldizn certified speech/language pathologist; bilingual language abilities in English/Spanish;

specializes in communication disorders; member of the CT Speech and Hearing Association, co-chair of the
associations Multicultural Affairs Committee; currently working in a CT school district; also contracts
independently; has experience in evaluating Spanish dominant students (for Speech and Language disorders),
providing Speech and Language services in both English and Spanish, and interpreting at PPTs; has worked
in/for several CT school districts. She is also active in seeking out solutions to establishing bilingual
certification criteria for Speech and Language pathologists who are bilingual but who are not yet certified as
bilingual specialists and follows the work of the American Speech and Hearing Association in Washington
D.C. on this topic/need.
cell phone:

203-710-1749

Mijoba Communications, LLC is a multi-faceted consultation firm with a special focus upon linguistic,
cultural and ethnic diversity as such issues are manifest in social, health, educational and business
environments. The firms linguistic services include interpreting and translation, with a specific emphasis on
Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. At the present time, much of its work is conducted for the healthcare
industry, providing businesses with services for their employees to ensure adequate provision of health care.
Document and other translation services are also available as needed.
(Nadesha Mijoba is the founder, president, and CEO of Mijoba Communications, LLC.) For questions
regarding Mijoba Communications services, language proficiency requirements of its interpreters and
translators, etc., please contact the firm.
www.mijobacommunications.com
nadesha@mijobacommunications.com
or nadesha@aol.com
phone: 860-535-2274 (CT); 401-663-4471 (RI)
fax:
860-535-2774 fax
website:
email:

mailing address:

Mijoba Communications, LLC

567 Vauxhall Street Extension, Suite 203
Waterford, CT 06385

DISCLAIMER
Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language Learners (CAPELL) neither endorses any of the above
mentioned companies, agencies, services, or individuals, over the other, nor do any references herein to them or to
specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise, constitute any
endorsement or recommendation by CAPELL. With respect to the services provided by these groups and any written
document translations produced by these groups, neither CAPELL nor its members make any warranty or assume any
legal responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process. CAPELL is
not responsible for the contents of any of the websites of the companies, agencies, services, or individuals listed above
through referenced links. The responsibility for content rests with the organizations who are providing the information.
Specific questions regarding a document should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to the
CAPELL webmaster. CAPELL is not responsible for the accessibility to persons with disabilities of any off-site pages
referenced through links.
This list is intended as a resource list only. CAPELL strongly advises its members and our colleagues to observe the
requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004),
confidentiality and privacy laws, and the translation guidelines (equal access guidance) set by the Department of Justice
(Civil Rights Division) according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For the full document go to the Federal
Register: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/lep/dojrecipguid.php - Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients
Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons.

28

Terminology
AMAO - Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives: Within Title III of NCLB, each state is
required to measure and report the linguistic progress, linguistic proficiency, and academic progress of
ELLs.
BICS- Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills: Often described as social or conversational
language, this term was developed by Jim Cummins (1984) to distinguish types and levels of language
proficiency. BICS skills can be developed in relatively short period of time, whereas Cognitive
Academic Language Proficiency takes much longer to achieve.
Bilingual Education - An educational model designed to educate students in two languages, one
being the native language and the other being English. In Connecticut there are two types of bilingual
programs that are commonly used: Transitional Bilingual and Dual Immersion programs. In
Connecticut, whenever it is ascertained that there are in any public school within a local or regional
school district twenty or more eligible students classified as dominant in any one language other than
English, the board of education of such district shall provide a program of bilingual education for such
eligible students for the school year next following. (Bilingual Education Statute: Section 10-17E-J).
bilingual The ability to use two languages fluently.
CALP- Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency is the term coined by Jim Cummins (1984) that
refers to the language ability required for academic achievement in a context-reduced environment. It
is the language students need to read and solve math problems, navigate social studies texts, analyze
English literature, write science lab reports, etc. It takes a significantly longer period of time to
develop than does social language.
code switching - Using two different languages within the same conversation. The term is used to
describe any switch among languages in the course of a conversation, whether at the level of words,
sentences or blocks of speech. Code-switching most often occurs when bilinguals are in the presence
of other bilinguals who speak the same languages (NCELA website).
comprehensible input - Krashens theory that language presented to a language learner needs to be
made meaningful through modifications, such as adjustments to rate and content of speech, visual
connections, and scaffolding.
dominant language - The language in which the speaker has greater proficiency and/or uses more
often (NCELA website).
Dual Immersion/Dual Language/2 Way Bilingual Programs - An educational model that promotes
bilingualism by teaching students content in two languages. These programs are designed for both
language majority and minority students, with the goal being the development of bilingualism, biliteracy, and cross-cultural understanding.
29

English Mastery Standard The standard for mastery, in terms of English language proficiency and
academic achievement, set by the Connecticut State Department of Education. See Appendix A.
English Language Learner (ELL) - refers to a student who is in the process of learning English as an
additional language.
English as a Second Language/English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESL/ESOL) - refers to
specialized English instruction provided to ELLs within the districts ELL and/or bilingual program.
This support typically includes content-based instruction so that ELLs are learning English while
developing skills to assure success in subject areas. Program models vary among districts.
L1- Refers to a students first language. This can also be referred to as home language.
L2- Refers to a students second language.
language loss/attrition- The loss of ones native language as an additional language is learned or
acquired.
language proficiency - The degree to which a persons language skills are developed, regardless of
how the skills were learned or acquired.
language proficiency tests - Tests designed to measure the fluency and accuracy with which a person
uses the various language components, such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, and
comprehension. In Connecticut, the LAS Links, an language proficiency test, must be administered
annually to all English Language Learners.
Language Assessment System (LAS) Links The language proficiency test produced by
CTB/McGraw-Hill, used in Connecticut, to measure yearly progress in acquiring English as an
additional language. This proficiency test is also available in Spanish.
LEP-Limited English Proficient - Is a term often used by the federal government and some states to
identify those students who are not yet proficient enough in English to succeed in English-only
classrooms without ESOL/Bilingual education support. In Connecticut and many other states, the term
ELL is preferred.
LTSS- Language Transition Support Services: In 1999, the Connecticut General Assembly revised
the states bilingual education statute. One provision mandates that students who do not meet the
English mastery standard on the annual assessment, at the end of 30 months in a transitional bilingual
education program, must receive language transition support services (LTSS) until they meet the
standard.
Native/First/Home language- The language a person acquires first in life; it is sometimes called a
mother tongue. see L1
Primary language - The language in which bilingual/multilingual speakers are most fluent, or prefer to
use. This is not necessarily the language first learned in life (NCELA website).

30

Second Language Acquisition - The process by which a person acquires a second language.
Sheltered Content Instruction Instructional techniques and strategies that enable ELLs to learn
academic subject matter in English.
SIOP- Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol is a research-based and validated model of sheltered
instruction. The SIOP model helps teachers plan and deliver lessons that allow ELLs to acquire
academic knowledge as they develop English language proficiency.
Transitional Bilingual Education Programs (TBE) - A bilingual program model in which students
are taught through two languages: English and the students native language. The primary purpose of
this type of program is to transition students to an all English academic program when he or she is
proficient enough in English to be successful in the monolingual general education program. In
Connecticut, students are allowed a maximum of 30 months in a TBE program. Students who do not
meet the English mastery standard after 30 months can receive Language Transition Support Services
(see LTSS above).

31

Overview of Legislation Pertaining to English

Language Learners (ELLs)
English Language Learners and No Child Left Behind
The federal legislation for Title III of the No Child Left Behind Act (U.S. Department of Education,
2001) is both a continuation and an alteration of previous federal policies designed to meet the needs of
diverse learners in the U.S. public school system. There are several key differences between the new
legislation and the previous Improving Americas Schools Act (IASA) of 1994, some of which have
significant implications for the general education classroom teacher. These changes include:
All ELL students must be tested at least once a year using an English Proficiency test.
ELL students (in Connecticut) who have been in U.S. schools for 10 school months must be
tested in reading/language arts and math using a test written in English.
ELL Students must meet specific annual targets of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Local
Education Agencies (LEAs) and State Education Agencies (SEAs) will be held accountable for
ensuring that ELL students meet these targets.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) 2004

In attempting to avoid misdiagnosis or inappropriate diagnosis of ELLs, the act reiterates that lack of
appropriate instruction in reading or math cannot result in eligibility of any disability category under
this Act. Nor can a student meet eligibility requirements for any disability category if the determinant
factor is limited English proficiency (34 C.F.R. Section 614(b)(5)(C)). To ensure against
misdiagnosis or overrepresentation of minority or ELL populations, the assessments and other
evaluation materials used to assess a child must be selected and administered so as not to be
discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis (34 C.F.R. Section 614 (b)(3)(A)(i)). They must be
administered in a professional manner by competent personnel and must use the language and form
most likely to yield accurate information on what the child knows and can do academically,
developmentally, and functionally, unless it is not feasible to so provide or administer. (34 C.F. R.
Section 614(b)(3)(A)(ii-v).)

Bilingual Education Act:

Enacted in Congress in 1968, it established a discretionary competitive grant program to fund bilingual
education programs for economically disadvantaged language minority students in recognition of the
unique educational disadvantages faced by non-English speaking students. The act was reauthorized in
1974, 1978, 1984, 1988, and 1994.

The May 25 Memorandum:

To clarify a school districts responsibilities with respect to national-origin-minority children, the U.S.
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, on May 25, 1970, issued a policy statement stating, in
part, that where inability to speak and understand the English language excludes national-originminority group children from effective participation in the educational program offered by the school
district, the district must take affirmative steps to rectify language deficiency in order to open the
instructional program to the students.
32

Lau v. Nichols:
Suit filed by Chinese parents in San Francisco in 1974 that led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling that
identical education does not constitute equal education under the Civil Rights Act. School districts must
take affirmative steps to overcome educational barriers faced by non-English speakers (Lyons, 1992).

Equal Education Opportunities Act of 1974:

This civil rights statute prohibits states which receive federal funding from denying equal educational
opportunity to an individual on account of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin. The statute
specifically prohibits states from denying equal educational opportunity to limited English proficient
students by the failure of an educational agency to take appropriate action to overcome language
barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs. [20 U.S.C
1203(f)]

Castaeda v. Pickard:
In 1981, in the most significant decision regarding the education of language-minority students since
Lau v. Nichols, the 5th circuit court established a three-pronged test for evaluating programs serving
English language learners. According to the Castaeda standard, schools must:
-

base their program on educational theory recognized as sound or considered to be a legitimate

experimental strategy,
implement the program with resources and personnel necessary to put the theory into practice, and
evaluate programs and make adjustments where necessary to ensure that adequate progress is being
made.

Emergency Immigrant Education Program:

Formerly authorized under Title VII of the Improving Americas Schools Act of 1994, the Emergency
Immigrant Education Program (EIEP) provides funds to states on a formula basis to assist local
educational agencies in which immigrant student enrollment had increased significantly.

Connecticut Laws:
In 1977, Public act 77-558 was passed and the regulations were developed and became effective on
November 1, 1977, regarding bilingual education. Under state statutes any school or school district with
20 or more ELLs who speak any one language in a school building must provide a bilingual education
program.
In 1999, this act was revised and encoded as section 10-17e-j, inclusive, of the Connecticut General
Statues. The State Department of Education (SDE) issued guidelines for the provisions of the law
referring to implementing Language Transition Support Services beginning in 2002. All children who
are indentified as Limited English Proficient are covered by bilingual legislation. (adapted from the
Connecticut State Department of Education website)

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Appendix A
Connecticut English Mastery Standard
GRADE

LINGUISTIC
EXIT CRITERIA

ACADEMIC
EXIT CRITERIA

Grades K-2

LAS Links Overall Level 4 or 5

Grades 3-8

LAS Links Overall Level 4 or 5

Grade 9

LAS Links Overall Level 4 or 5

Grades 10-12

LAS Links Overall Level 4 or 5

(DRA) End-of-year grade-level performance

standards
K Level 4
Grade 1 Level 18
Grade 2 Level 28 Non-fiction
selection
(CMT 4) grade-level performance standards
Math Proficient (Level 3) or above;
Reading Proficient (Level 3) or above;
Writing Basic (Level 2) or above
(CMT MAS)
Math Proficient (Level 2) or above;
Reading Proficient (Level 2) or above
(*School-secure CMT 3 Grade 8)
Math Proficient (level 3) or above;
Reading Proficient (level 3) or above;
Writing Basic (level 2) or above
(*School-secure CMT MAS 3 grade 8)
Math Proficient (Level 2) or above;
Reading Proficient (Level 2) or above
(CAPT 3) grade-level performance standards
Math Basic (level 2) or above;
Reading Basic (level 2) or above;
Writing Basic (level 2) or above
(CAPT MAS)
Math Proficient (Level 2) or above;
Reading Proficient (Level 2) or above

*Grade 9 ELLs may be tested with the Grade 8 school-secure version of the CMT 3 for the
purpose of exiting from ELL programs. Districts must contact the CT State Department of
Education to obtain a copy of this version (Form M) of the test.
Note: Students who take the CMT MAS or CAPT MAS will still need to take the regular CMT
or CAPT in writing and perform at the Basic level or higher in order to meet all academic
exit criteria.
From the Connecticut State Department of Education website:
http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/cedar/assessment/agl/resources/AssessmentGuideline2010-11.pdf
http://www.csde.state.ct.us/public/cedar/assessment/ell/resources/Perf_Standards_Necessary_Exit_English
Language_Including_MAS_Final_8252010.pdf
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Appendix B
LAS Links Proficiency Levels
BEGINNING
Proficiency
Level 1

A Level 1 student is beginning to develop receptive and productive uses of

English in the school context, although comprehension may be demonstrated
nonverbally or through the native language, rather than in English

EARLY INTERMEDIATE
Proficiency
Level 2

A Level 2 student is developing the ability to communicate in English within the

school context. Errors impede basic communication and comprehension.
Lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features of English are emerging.

INTERMEDIATE
Proficiency
Level 3

A Level 3 student is developing the ability to communicate effectively in English

across a range of grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school context.
Errors interfere with communication and comprehension. Repetition and
negotiation are often needed. The student exhibits a limited range of lexical,
syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and familiar
topics.

PROFICIENT
Proficiency
Level 4

A Level 4 student communicates effectively in English across a range of gradelevel appropriate language demands in the school context, even though errors
occur. The student exhibits productive and receptive control of lexical, syntactic,
phonological, and discourse features when addressing new and familiar topics.

ABOVE PROFICIENT
Proficiency
Level 5

A Level 5 student communicates effectively in English, with few if any errors,

across a wide range of grade-level-appropriate language demands in the school
context. The student commands a high degree of productive and receptive
control of lexical, syntactic, phonological, and discourse features when
addressing new and familiar topics.

Reprinted with permission from the LAS Links Interpretation Guide, CTB McGraw-Hill, 2005.

35

Resources
Organizations
CAL: www.cal.org/ The Center for Applied Linguistics aims to promote and improve the teaching
and learning of languages, identify and solve problems related to language.
CAPELL: www.capellct.org The Connecticut Administrators of Programs for English Language
Learners provides information to administrators and teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs).
Connecticut State Department of Education: www.sde.ct.gov This site has many references,
documents and statistics about English language learners. It is very current and has excellent links to
law and resources.
Contact: Marie Salazar Glowski, Bilingual/ELL Education
Bureau of Curriculum and Instruction
Connecticut State Department of Education
165 Capitol Avenue
P.O. box 2219
Hartford, CT 06145
Telephone: (800)713-6750
Email: marie.salazar.glowski@ct.gov
ConnTESOL: www.ConnTESOL.net Connecticut Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages, the local affiliate of national TESOL. Provides an annual conference and resources to all
teachers of English language learners (ELLs).
IRC: The Illinois Resource Center: www.thecenterweb.org/irc/ Since 1972, the Illinois Resource
Center (IRC) has provided assistance to teachers and administrators serving linguistically and culturally
diverse students. With support from the Illinois State Board of Education, the IRC has emerged as a
major statewide intermediate service agency, and its educational and professional development
programs have helped thousands of teachers throughout Illinois and the nation to develop effective
instructional practices for language minority students.
NABE: www.nabe.org The National Association for Bilingual Education is a professional association
of teachers, administrators, parents, policy makers, and others concerned with securing educational
equity for language minority students.

36

NCCRESt: www.nccrest.org The National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems, a
project funded by the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Special Education Programs,
provides technical assistance and professional development to close the achievement gap between
students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their peers, and reduce
inappropriate referrals to special education. The project targets improvements in culturally responsive
practices, early intervention, literacy, and positive behavioral supports.
NCELA: www.ncela.gwu.edu The National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition and
Language Instruction Educational Programs is funded by the U.S. Department of Education
(www.ed.gov), Office of English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic
Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students (OELA) (www.ed.gov/offices/OELA) to
collect, analyze, and synthesize information about culturally diverse students.
NWREL:- www.nwrel.org The Northwest Regional Education Laboratory has numerous resources
for educators, policymakers, parents, and the public. These resources include products such as
publications, professional development tools, and teaching aids. NWREL also offers research-based
services to schools, districts, and states that are designed to improve educational results. Other
resources include events, such as conferences, workshops, and trainings, along with various
newsletters, periodicals, and policy briefs.
OCR: www.hhs.gov/ocr/ The Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, has
responsibility for enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. OCR investigates allegations of
civil rights violations and initiates investigations of compliance with federal civil rights laws in
schools that serve special students populations, including language-minority students. The office has
developed several policies with regard to measuring compliance with the Lau v. Nichols decision. For
more information, see OCRs resources about ELLs.
OELA: (www.ed.gov/offices/OELA) The Office of English Language Acquisition, Language
Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Limited English Proficient Students in the U.S.
Department of Education was established in 1974 by congress to help school districts meet their
responsibility to provide an equal education opportunity to English language learners.
TESOL: www.tesol.org Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages is a professional
association of teachers, administrators, researchers, and others concerned with promoting scholarship,
the dissemination of information, and strengthening of instruction and research in the teaching of
English to speakers of other languages and dialects.

37

Books and Articles

Artiles, Alfredo J. & Alba Ortiz, Editors, English Language Learners with Special Education Needs:
Identification, Assessment and Instruction, Illinois, Delta Publishing Co., 2002.

Becker, Helene, with commentary from Else Hamayan, Teaching ESL K-12: Views from the
Classroom, Boston, Heinle & Heinle, 2001.
Cloud, Nancy, Special Education Needs of Second Language Students, in Genesee, Fred (editor),
Educating Second Language Children: The Whole Child, the Whole Curriculum, the Whole
Community, Cambridge University Press, 1998.

Cummins, Jim, Language, Power and Pedagogy: Bilingual Children in the Crossfire, Multilingual
Matters, 2000.

Hamayan, Else, Barbara Marler, Cristina Sanchez-Lopez, and Jack Damico, Special Education
Considerations for English Language Learners: Delivering a Continuum of Services, Philadelphia,
Caslon Publishing, 2007

Rhodes, Robert L., Salvador Hector Ochoa, and Samuel Ortiz, Assessing Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse Students: A Practical Guide, Guilford Press, 2005.

Robertson, Kristina, How to Address Special Education Needs in the ELL Classroom. (2007)
www.colorincolorado.org/article/19960
Roseberry-McKibbin, Celeste, Multicultural Students with Special Language Needs-Practical
Strategies for Assessment and Intervention, Academic Communication Associates, 1995.

Rodriguez-McCleary, Bethrica and Teddi Predaris, The LEP-Special Education Interface: Building
Bridges, A presentation at NABE 2002 (National Association for Bilingual Education) by Fairfax
Public Schools, Fairfax, VA.
38