Module 5: Guidelines for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and English Language Learners (ELLs) Students

The Multicultural, ESOL and Program Services and Exceptional Student Education Departments (2009) have developed Guidelines for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and English Language Learner (ELL) Students which include guidelines for referring ELLs who may be in need of ESE services and for identifying and serving ESE/ELL students.

These guidelines contain information on:

• definitions of key terminology
  
• language classification and ESE evaluation/reevaluation
  
• individual Educational Plan (IEP)/English Language Learner Student Educational Plan (ELLSEP) procedures
  
• use of interpreters and translators including checklists for interpreters and users of interpreter services
  
• procedures for exiting from ESOL and dismissal from ESOL
  
• questions and answers

It is important to remember that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 contains a special rule for eligibility determination in 614 (6) (5) as follows:

“(5) Special rule for eligibility determination.--In making a determination of eligibility under paragraph (4)(A), a child shall not be determined to be a child with a disability if the determinant factor for such determination is--

(A) lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including in the essential components of reading instruction (as defined in section 1208(3) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965);

(B) lack of instruction in math; or

(C) limited English proficiency.”

Language Classification

All students evaluated by the Bilingual/ESOL Department or the school-based language assessor will receive a language classification on the Initial Language Classification Assessment Form.

IEP/ELLSEP Procedures
Any A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or U-LY ELL in grades PreK-12 must have an ELLSEP folder. In addition, if the student is ESE/ELL, an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is needed.

ELL Committee
For ESE/ELL students, the ELL Committee will consist of:

1. An administrator or designee
2. The ESOL teacher
3. The home language teacher (if any)
4. The classroom/subject area teacher(s)
5. An ESE representative (e.g., ESE Specialist, ESE teacher/provider)
6. Guidance counselors, school social workers, school psychologists or other educators as appropriate for the situation.

From: Multicultural & ESOL Program Services Education and Exceptional Student Education Department Guidelines (2007)