Frequently Asked Questions

Which grade levels require students to be assessed to be accepted into the program?

Open enrollment is available for students in kindergarten and first grade. Students enrolling into the program after first grade will need to be assessed over the grade level proficiency targets. Assessments are ONLY given for those students for whom there is room in the program to determine enrollment. 

How are students assessed and when will I receive the results?

The district will set up a time to assess your child over the grade level proficiency targets. This assessment usually takes approximately 30 minutes. The results will be shared with the parent(s) within 1-2 school days.

How will language proficiency be progress monitored?

Teachers will use proficiency targets to help guide instruction in the classroom. Students will be assessed over these proficiency targets in all grade levels from in the spring of each school year. After that time, parents will receive a copy of their child's grade level proficiency report with their identified score. 

Beginning in third grade, students will also be assessed using the AAPPL assessment (The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages). This assessment is used internationally.

*3rd Grade - Assessed over Interpersonal Listening & Speaking
*4th Grade - Assessed over Interpretive Listening & Reading/Presentational Writing
*5th Grade - Assessed over Interpersonal Listening & Speaking
 

See Proficiency webpage for more.

For parents who do not speak Spanish, how will they support their child?

1. Support your child in their first language. Read WITH them and TO them in their native language EVERY day. 
2. Emphasize the value of acquiring another language. Applaud their efforts in Spanish.
3. Expose your child in their second language through technology and media. Use apps, movies, TV, or the internet to increase the amount of time your child spends engaging in Spanish. For example, watch a favorite movie in Spanish instead of English, listen to Spanish music and/or listen to Spanish books through apps such as Raz-Kids and Epic.