Big Horn School District #2 English Learner (EL) Plan

Oct 2, 2026

Big Horn School District #2 implements an English Learner (EL) Plan that governs identification, screening, notification, and ongoing program services. The plan details the Home Language Survey process for new enrollments, family interviews, and screening timelines for initial English proficiency assessment using WIDA consortium screeners. It outlines how active EL status is determined, how parents receive translated communications and notification of results, and how students progress through monitoring and exit criteria. It also specifies accommodations, designated supports, assessment checklists, program evaluation, and records transfer procedures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Home Language Survey (HLS)

Appendix 1: Pupil Information Sheet with Home Language Survey

EL Proficiency Screener

Parent Notification

Appendix 2: EL Parent Notification Letter

Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs)

Accommodations and Designated Supports

Appendix 3: EL ILP Template

Appendix 4: State & District Assessment Checklist

Measuring Progress and Achieving English Proficiency Criteria

Appendix 5: ACCESS Testing Procedures

Exit Criteria

Monitoring

Program Evaluation

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Teacher English Fluency Certification

Appendix 6: EL Staff: English Fluency District Plan

Consultation

Records Transfer Process

Appendix 10-17

Big Horn School District \#2 English Learner (EL) Plan Table of Contents Home Language Survey (HLS) 3 - Appendix 1: Pupil Information Sheet with Home Language Survey EL Proficiency Screener 3 Parent Notification 4 - Appendix 2: EL Parent Notification Letter Language Instruction Educational Programs (LIEPs) 4-6 Accommodations and Designated Supports 7 - Appendix 3: EL ILP Template - Appendix 4: State & District Assessment Checklist Measuring Progress and Achieving English Proficiency Criteria 7 - Appendix 5: ACCESS Testing Procedures Exit Criteria 7 Monitoring 8 Program Evaluation 8 Parent, Family, and Community Engagement 8 Teacher English Fluency Certification 9 - Appendix 6: EL Staff: English Fluency District Plan Consultation 9 Records Transfer Process 9 Appendix 10-17 HOME LANGUAGE SURVEY: Big Horn School District \#2 uses a home language survey as part of the identification process to determine if students might be eligible for English Learner services. The Home Language Study is administered whenever a new student enrolls in the district. The information is part of the Pupil Information form which is required for all new students. The Home Language Survey is updated on a yearly basis at the beginning of the year during our online registration process, or when a change in guardianship occurs. Parents/Guardians are given a “Student Profile” form and asked to update information. Copies of the Home Language Study are kept in the student’s cumulative file. (See Home Language Survey Appendix 1) . At the beginning of each school year, the EL Coordinator notifies each building secretary to run an HLS report in order to signal any new EL students. Specific information is then shared with the EL Coordinator in order to begin the screening process. If the district believes an error was made in the survey, the EL Coordinator will seek the help of the building office staff of the child, such as the principal, counselor, or teacher. A family interview will be conducted prior to completion of the language screening. Family interviews will be completed by the District EL Coordinator, along with another staff member and/or community member who speaks the family’s language. The family interview will include questions regarding how long the child has lived with the family, previous exposure to English within the home and community, and previous educational opportunities. In the event that more information is needed from the family, such as how long the child has lived with the family, the District EL Coordinator, along with another staff member and/or community member who speaks the family’s language, will conduct an interview, or possibly a home visit. The screening is conducted by the District EL Assessment Coordinator, or another certified screener. The district requires that all students with a home language other than English are screened for English proficiency within 30 days at the beginning of the school year or within two weeks if enrolled during the school year. Foreign exchange students are screened as well. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY SCREENER: When a home language survey indicates that there is a language other than English that may potentially influence the language of the student, screener assessments are administered within the first 30 days of the school year, or within 14 days if the student enrolls after the first 30 days. These assessments are offered free to the District through the State’s membership with the WIDA Consortium. The screeners are administered by a teacher who has been certified in the use of the screener. They receive training and certification through the WIDA secure portal. The screeners are used to identify English Learners (EL): WIDA Screener for Kindergarten: Given to Kindergarteners as needed WIDA Screener Online: Given to new students in Grades 1–12, including foreign exchange students If the student meets the criteria as defined by

FAQs

How does Big Horn School District #2 identify students who may be eligible for EL services?

The district uses a Home Language Survey as part of the identification process. It is administered when a new student enrolls, updated yearly during online registration, and updated when guardianship changes occur.

When are students screened for English proficiency, and who conducts the screening?

Students with a home language other than English are screened within 30 days at the beginning of the school year, or within two weeks if enrolled during the year. Screening is conducted by the District EL Assessment Coordinator or another certified screener.

How are parents notified about EL services and WIDA results?

Principals notify parents within 30 days at the beginning of the school year and within 14 days if the student enrolls mid-year. Parents receive translated communications, can accept or decline EL services, and are notified in spring about WIDA ACCESS results and status changes such as exit and monitoring.

Oct 2, 2026

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