In the Chicago Ridge 127.5 community, there are close to twenty languages spoken.  The English Learner program services students who speak a language other than English.  Within the student population of the English Learning program, there are seventeen languages spoken. The program focuses on helping students gain stronger English skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking while meeting their social and emotional needs.

English Language  Parent Resources 

• Colorin Colorado 

• 45 Best Reading Websites for Kids 

• Storyline Online - Home 

• Learning Chocolate 

• International Children’s Library

Test Resource

• ACCESS 2.0 Practice Tests

English Learning Standards

• English Learning Development Standards 

• WIDA English Language Development Standards 

WIDA Can DO Descriptor Charts 

• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition Kindergarten 

• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition Grade 1 

• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition Grades 2-3 

• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition Grades 4-5 

• Can Do Descriptors, Key Uses Edition Grades 6-8

Assessments 

1. ACCESS  

The ACCESS test is a secure English language proficiency test given annually to all students in grades K-12 who have been identified as English Learners (ELs). Students are assessed in the four language domains of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The ACCESS test is only administered during the annual test window for the state of Illinois. Based on the results of this assessment, the student will be assigned an English proficiency level. That level will be used to determine what EL Support services the student will receive at his/her school.

Students whose parents have waived English learner services are still required by the State of Illinois to take the ACCESS test annually until they demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. 

2. Alternate ACCESS 

The Alternate ACCESS for ELLs is a secure English language proficiency test given annually to students in grades 1-12 who have been identified as ELs and have significant cognitive disabilities that limit their participation in the standard ACCESS test. 

Students are assessed in the four language domains of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The Alternate ACCESS test is only administered during the annual ACCESS test window for the state of Illinois. Based on the results of this assessment, the student will be assigned an English proficiency level. That level will be used to determine what EL Support services the student will receive at his/her school. 

3. WIDA SCREENER FOR KINDERGARTEN 

WIDA Screener for Kindergarten is an individually administered paper-and-pencil test that helps educators identify students as English learners (ELs). It is typically given to students one time when they enter your school or district as they start Kindergarten or first grade.

4. WIDA Online Screener 

WIDA Online Screener is an English proficiency online screening assessment given to incoming students who have a home language other than English in grades 1 - 12. Students are assessed in the four language domains of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. This test is used to identify and place English learners in EL programs. If the results of this placement test show that the student needs English language support, he/she will be placed in an appropriate English learning program. 

5. Pre-IPT 

The Pre-IPT (IDEA Proficiency Test) measures the English proficiency of pre-Kindergarten students. District 127.5 uses this test as a screening test to identify and place pre-K students in EL programs.  If the results of this placement test show that the student needs English language support, he/she will receive EL services .