English Learner Demographic Information
Based on Kentucky's LEP Access data, Kentucky reported 94+ languages. The LEP Languages Chart lists the home languages of Kentucky English Learners (ELs), the number of ELs representing each language group and the percentage of that language group of the total EL population in Kentucky. The "Other" category, represents languages that were not listed in the ACCESS data base.
EL Pre-College Curriculum and Foreign Language
Many questions have been asked concerning the ways English Learners (ELs) may demonstrate competency in a foreign language. In order to meet the pre-college curriculum requirement students need to demonstrate a “basic-user” competency in a foreign language, that is, any language other than their native language, including English. There is no requirement for “seat time” or credits. All Kentucky students are expected to achieve the Kentucky Core Academic Standards, one of which is Academic Expectation 2.28 Students understand and communicate in a second language. Because this expectation does not identify English as the first language, it clearly indicates that students in the Kentucky school systems should have the opportunity to learn a second language beyond their native language.
EL Pre-College Curriculum and Foreign Language Q & A Document.
Endorsements for English Learners (Grades P-12)
The population of school-aged English Learners (ELs) has significantly increased in recent years in Kentucky, thereby impacting many aspects of education. Schools need educators who are fully prepared to teach a growing population of linguistically and culturally diverse learners.
In Kentucky, the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) is responsible for issuing and renewing certificates for all Kentucky teachers and administrators. EPSB works with Kentucky colleges and universities, out-of-state institutions, and national evaluation agencies and processes approximately 25,000 certification transactions annually. The board is charged with establishing standards of performance both for preparation programs and practitioners and accrediting educator preparation programs.
A list of Kentucky higher education institutions that offer an endorsement in English as a Second Language (Grades P-12) is available from EPSB here.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards
The World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) English Language Proficiency Standards for English Language Learners in Kindergarten through 12th Grade serve as Kentucky’s NCLB required English language proficiency standards. These standards will act as a companion document to The Program of Studies for Kentucky Schools Primary – 12 (2006) in guiding instruction for Kentucky’s English Language Learners (ELLs). The WIDA English Language Proficiency Standards do not replace The Program of Studies for Kentucky Schools. The 2007 edition of the WIDA ELP Standards is available on line at http://wida.wceruw.org/standards/elp.aspx
Home Language Survey
All local school districts are required to administer a home language survey to students enrolled in the district as a first screening process to identify students with limited English proficiency. (703 KAR 5:070).
A local school district shall administer a home language survey to students enrolled in the district as the first screening process to identify students with limited English proficiency. The home language survey shall be based at a minimum on four questions.
- What is the language most frequently spoken at home?
- Which language did your child learn when he/she first began to talk?
- What language does your child most frequently speak at home?
- What language do you most frequently speak to your child
World Class Instructional Design and Assessment
To meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Title III requirements, states are mandated to identify and annually administer a standards-based English language proficiency test to all English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12. In order to comply with the NCLB requirement of an annual English Language Proficiency Assessment for ELs, Kentucky joined the WIDA Consortium in 2006. The WIDA Consortium’s goal is to provide research based assessments, standards and professional development to its member states.
Member states of the WIDA Consortium include: Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
WIDA provides Kentucky with a placement test called the W-APT (WIDA ACCESS Placement Test) as well as the annual English Proficiency Assessment of ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State) for ELs.
District Plan and Assurances
Local district plans for language instruction for English Learners (ELs) and immigrant students are required under Title III Section 3116 (Local Plans) to contain certain essential elements. Local districts may develop its own format for the plan and may include other elements as outlined in the Title III Local Education Agency Plan and Assurances document.
Local Education Agency Plan And Assurances
District Assurances.doc
Essential Elements Of A Local District Plan For Title III: Language Instruction For English Learners (ELs) And Immigrant Students
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A LOCA LDISTRICT Title III PLAN.doc
Sample Title III Local District Plan
SAMPLE TITLE III LOCAL DISTRICT PLAN.doc
Funding Matrix: Non-Competitive Federal Grants Allowable Expenditures
FUNDING MATRIX NON-COMPETITIVE FEDERAL GRANTS ALLOWABLE EXPENDITURES.doc
Developing Programs for English Language Learners: Program Overview Chart
Developing ELL Program OCR Model.doc