Students registering with SHSD who indicate that English is not their first learned language on the Home Language Survey are given the WIDA English Language Proficiency Screener, to determine eligibility for the Multilingual Education Program.

This placement test must be given within 10 days of the student’s entry into the school district.

Students who score 1-4 on the WIDA screener are eligible for services.

A student who scores 5 or 6 on the WIDA screener will be not be eligible for services. 

All instruction will vary depending on student needs. Multilingual Education students will receive services.  

Multilingual students are served in a pullout model consisting of other multilingual students in their age or ability range. Multilingual teachers work to improve reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in order to meet state standards.

Students continue in the English language development program as long as they need help learning English. The WIDA assessment is given to measure students’ growth in English language knowledge and skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking each spring.  A student will continue to qualify for English language development services until they meet the exit criteria on the WIDA annual assessment and transition from the program.

After students transition out of English language development services, they are monitored for the next two years to make sure they are academically successful.  If exited students are struggling, they may receive additional academic support.

All Multilingual Education students will be tested on the annual WIDA assessment every spring.  

Scores are sent home from the district office after test scores are received from OSPI. 

Yes, parents can choose to remove their children from the Multilingual Education Program. However, parents should first discuss this decision with a multilingual language learner teacher who can explain the benefits of participation in the program.

Parents should also ask about the programs and methods of instruction available in the district. Parents have the right to choose another program or method of instruction, if available.

You may request an interpreter to help you communicate either over the phone or during face-to-face conferences.  

The interpreter can be requested by a parent or by a staff member. Please contact your student's teacher or school’s office team to make arrangements.