ELD - English Language Development
ESL Program Specialists
Darcy Caruso Francesca McCutchan Lucille Rhock Susanne Rasely-Philipps
PV Elementary PV Intermediate PV Middle School PV High School
For Families - Frequently Asked Questions
How does a school decide if a child receives language services?
When a student enrolls, the parent/guardian completes a Home Language Survey (HLS). If the HLS indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home, the ESL Program Specialist will review the file and follow the procedures for Screening, Identification, and Placement of ELs as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
What types of services will a child receive?
Services can range from direct language instruction and access to materials in the student's native language to occasional check-ins. Interventions are determined by the students' needs, classroom performance, and WIDA ACCESS test scores.
What is a WIDA ACCESS test score?
WIDA ACCESS is the assessment given to English learners (ELs) annually to measure their proficiency in English. Data include scores in listening, reading, writing, and speaking as well as an overall proficiency score. The testing affords educators a means to measure communications strengths, areas for needed improvement, and growth across years of learning.
Can a parent/guardian refuse services on behalf of a child?
A parent/guardian may opt a child out of English language development services according to guidelines established by PDE. The student will continue, however, to be assessed each year using the WIDA ACCESS according to state guidelines.
What if I have questions about my child's progress?
Please contact the ESL program specialist for your building at the top of this page. Click on their name to open their email address. We are here to support both students and families as they gain English proficiency and master subject content.