Requirements for Exiting English Language Learners from the English for Speakers of Other Languages Program

Question 1

Each student identified as an English Language Learner (ELL) shall continue to receive appropriate instruction until

Answer 1

such time as the student is reclassified as English proficient and exited from the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program. English proficiency shall be determined by assessing the student utilizing the annual Comprehensive English Language Learning Assessment (CELLA) and Florida Comprehensive Achievement Assessment (FCAT) in Reading, or by ELL Committee determination, in accordance with this rule.

Question 2

An ELL shall be determined English language proficient and exited from the ESOL program upon obtaining:

Answer 2

1. Scores of “Proficient” at the applicable grade level on each CELLA subtest administered annually pursuant to Rule 6A-6.9021, F.A.C.; and
2. Scores on applicable Florida Comprehensive Achievement Tests (FCAT) in Reading, as follows:
   a. For students in grades K-2, CELLA is the only assessment required and FCAT is not required;
   b. For students in grades 3- 9, an achievement level of 3 or higher on applicable FCAT in Reading;
   c. For students in grades 10-12, a score on the 10th grade FCAT in Reading sufficient to meet applicable graduation requirements, or an equivalent concordant score pursuant to Section 1008.22, F.S.

Question 3

Upon receipt of the CELLA and FCAT scores, schools shall exit students

Answer 3

no later than the last school day of the school year. If CELLA or FCAT Reading scores are received after the end of the school year, schools shall exit students within two weeks after the beginning of the next school year and shall use the last day of the school year in which the FCAT Reading examination was administered as the exit date.

Question 4

Notwithstanding a student’s CELLA scores, upon the request of a student’s teacher, counselor, administrator, or parent, a student who has been classified as an ELL and enrolled in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program may be re-evaluated for English language proficiency by convening an ELL Committee at any time, according to the following procedures:

Answer 4

1. Any student being considered for exit by an ELL Committee shall be assessed on at least one Department-approved assessment instrument, which shall be administered no earlier than thirty (30) school days prior to the ELL Committee’s determination regarding exit. The assessment must cover all four (4) domains, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
2. The ELL Committee shall review the student’s academic record holistically and shall consider the assessment results from the assessment administered under subparagraph (2)(b)2. of this rule and the following criteria to determine whether the student is English language proficient:
   a. Extent and nature of prior educational or academic experience, social experience, and a student interview;
   b. Written recommendation and observation by current and previous instructional and supportive services staff;
   c. Level of mastery of basic competencies or skills in English and/or heritage language according to state or national criterion-referenced standards, if any;
   d. Grades from the current or previous years; and
   e. Test results from tests other than the assessment according to subparagraph (2)(b)2. of this rule.
3. If a majority of the ELL Committee determines that the student is English language proficient, the student shall be exited from the program. If a majority of the ELL Committee determines that the student is not English language proficient, the student shall remain enrolled in the program. The parents’ preference as to whether a student is determined English language proficient or not English language proficient shall be considered in the final decision.
4. The ELL Committee shall document the records reviewed by the Committee, which must include each of the criteria in subparagraph (2)(b)3., of this rule. The Committee’s decision shall be supported by at least two of the criteria established in subparagraph (2)(b)3., of this rule, and the supporting criteria shall be documented in the student’s file.