Once initially qualified as a multilingual learner through the WIDA Screener Online,  WIDA Screener Paper , or WIDA Screener for Kindergarten, WUSD students take an annual English Language Proficiency  exam. The State of Wisconsin uses the ACCESS for ELLs assessment to meet this requirement. Every student designated as an EL must take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment annually, until reclassified as Former EL. 

English language proficiency (ELP) among multilingual learners is measured on a scale from 1-6, as indicated in the chart below. ELP 1 indicates initial English proficiency, and ELP 6 indicates advanced, native-like English proficiency.

Students scoring a 1.0-4.4 English Language Proficiency level are entering, beginning, developing, and expanding their English skills toward proficiency, and thus qualify for multilingual services. 

Students scoring a 4.5-4.9 English Language Proficiency level on the ACCESS Screener or ACCESS for ELLs exam are considered for reclassification, or considered eligible to “exit” active multilingual programs and services. To make this determination, a Multiple Indicator Protocol (MIP) is followed. Please see “Reclassification/Exit Procedures” in this program guide.

Students scoring a 5.0-6.0 on the ACCESS screener or ACCESS for ELLs exam are considered English Proficient and will automatically “exit” multilingual programs and services.

All students identified as eligible for Multilingual Services are placed into multilingual programs and services in the Whitewater Unified School District. The Notification of Initial English Language Program Placement letter identifies the service programs and instructional models for each learner and informs parents/guardians of the students’ placement into the identified programs.

Parents/guardians have a legal right to have their child immediately removed from the Multilingual Services program upon their request. Upon initial classification as ML eligible, a parent/guardian may decline to enroll their child in such a program or to choose another program or method of instruction, if available. If various programs are available in the district, the parent/guardian may request assistance in selecting among various programs and methods of instruction. The parent/guardian shall communicate directly with the program administrator identified in the Notification of Initial English Language Program Placement letter with questions about program options or to opt-out of services for their learner.

Within 30 days of registration, the Whitewater Unified School District will identify potential multilingual students, conduct the SLIFE/Wealth of Knowledge Interview, complete and score the WIDA Screener language proficiency test, and notify the family of student qualification and placement in Multilingual Programs and Services. Each learner will be identified as a Multilingual Learner in Infinite Campus and Ellevation. The student ACCESS Screener or ACCESS for ELLs assessment scores will be recorded in both systems and updated annually. A Language Development Plan for each learner will be created by the Multilingual teacher providing language services, detailing current language proficiency, language proficiency goals, and relevant modifications or accommodations to be implemented in the classroom and on assessments for the learner.