Language Learner Policy Guide
ELE Department Overview
Supporting English Learners in Methuen
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
Table of Contents
01
Foundation & Roles Page 2
02
Grammar School Models (K-8) Page 3
03
High School Pathways Page 4
04
ELD & Literacy Development Page 5
05
Scarborough’s Reading Rope Page 6
06
Pull-Out ELD Expectations Page 7
07
ELD Inclusion Expectations Page 8
08
EL Identification Flowchart Page 9
09
K-8 Placement Parameters Page 10
10
SLIFE Identification Flowchart Page 11
11
Enrollment & Testing FAQs Page 12
"Our mission is to provide high-quality language instruction that empowers students to reach their full academic potential and participate fully in the Methuen community."
Department Overview
Strategic Support
Student Success
English Language Development
Supporting English Learners in Methuen
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
The goal of English Language Education (ELE) is to ensure every student has the linguistic tools to succeed academically and socially. This guide clarifies the different models of support across our district.
What is ELD?
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) uses the term English Language Development (ELD) to describe all language development that occurs throughout a student’s day. It is not just one class; it is a continuous process in both sheltered content classrooms and dedicated ELE classrooms.
Content
Classrooms
Responsibility: General Education Teacher
Achieved by sheltering instruction to develop academic language. Students learn complex subjects like Math and Science alongside their English-speaking peers while receiving language support.
ELE
Classrooms
Responsibility: ELE Teacher
Achieved through systematic instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This time is dedicated to building the foundational English proficiency needed to access the curriculum.
ELD is a Content Area
ELD is not merely an "intervention" or a "scaffold." It is its own distinct content area, similar to Math or ELA, meant to support long-term success across all grade levels.
Standardized Alignment
Curricula are aligned to WIDA Language Standards, prioritising linguistic growth across all domains.
Proactive Instruction
Instruction explicitly builds language skills that set students up for future learning rather than just reacting to tasks.
Grammar School Models (K-8)
How we support our younger learners through their language journey.
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
1
Pull-Out ELD
The Setup
Students are pulled out of their general education classroom for specialized instruction with a licensed ELE Teacher.
Curriculum
ELD standards are taught within a planned scope and sequence designed for language acquisition.
Implementation: In the Lower Schools, services are often integrated through Science/Social Studies or their WIN (What I Need) block. In the Upper Schools, students receive pull-out services primarily during the WIN block.
2
Inclusion ELD
A collaborative model where language support happens within the general education setting.
- Ideal for students with higher proficiency.
- Protects Special Education delivery time.
- ELE teachers "push-in" to the content lesson.
- Teachers co-plan for student success.
EXCEL Program
District Newcomer Program
Located at the Comprehensive Grammar School (CGS), EXCEL provides self-contained classrooms for students new to the country or to formal education.
Target Group
Students needing significant, immediate English support.
Grade Span
Serves students in Grades K-8 in specialized classes.
Progression
Temporary; students move as proficiency increases.
High School Pathways
Differentiated support levels at Methuen High School.
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
Beginner Proficiency
Entering & Emerging Levels
ELD I & ELD II
Self-contained English classrooms for students needing intensive language development. These foundational classes focus on rapid acquisition.
Co-Taught Math & Science
Access to grade-level content taught by content specialists, with language support integrated throughout.
*NEW 26/27* Co-Taught US History
Specifically designed for Entering/Emerging students to meet new CD graduation requirements with their cohort.
Intermediate & Advanced
Developing & Expanding Levels
ELD III & IV
For students accessing core content via mainstream classes. Refines academic language through a specialized scope and sequence.
Co-Taught English Classes
Designed for students transitioning from ELD II. Includes students who benefit from the inclusion of an ELE teacher in the ELA classroom.
English Language Development
Supporting English Learners in Methuen
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
The Role of ELD in Literacy
ELD instruction proactively sets students up for ongoing success by providing explicit instruction with language skills that support continued learning.
How does ELD support reading development?
- Focuses on the "Language Comprehension" components of the Science of Reading framework.
- Targets essential growth areas for students identified as English Learners (ELs).
- Works in tandem with other daily literacy lessons to create a comprehensive system for reading proficiency.
A Piece of the Whole
ELD is one focused component of a student's literacy journey. It bridges the gap between language acquisition and academic reading proficiency.
English Language Development
Supporting English Learners in Methuen
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
Scarborough’s Reading Rope (2001)
Phonological Awareness
Decoding
Sight Recognition
ELD Focus Areas
Background Knowledge
Vocabulary Knowledge
Language Structures
Verbal Reasoning
Literacy Knowledge
SKILLED READING
Word Recognition
Language Comprehension
Why this matters for ELs
While all students need both word recognition and language comprehension to read, English Learners often require significant, targeted support in the Language Comprehension strand to navigate complex academic texts.
By focusing on background knowledge, vocabulary, and language structures during ELD time, we give students the "mental Velcro" needed to attach meaning to the words they decode.
Pull Out ELD Program Expectations
Methuen Public Schools
What is Pull Out ELD?
- ELs are pulled out of their general education classroom for ELD instruction with an ESL Teacher.
- During this time, ELD standards are explicitly taught within a planned scope and sequence.
- ELE teachers monitor progress using WIDA 2020 Standards and set individual language goals documented in Ellevation.
District Approved Curriculum
| Grade Level | Curriculum & Resources |
|---|
| Kindergarten | Our World (National Geographic) |
| Grades 1–4 | Reach Higher (National Geographic) |
| Grades 5–6 | Reach Higher (National Geographic) |
| Grades 7–8 | |
| • Inclusion through ELA utilizing EL Curriculum | |
• WIN Block Support utilizing Off2Class & Language Dives
|
ELD Inclusion Expectations
The WIDA "Big Ideas"
1
Equity for MLs
2
Integrated Language/Content
3
Functional Approach
4
Stakeholder Collaboration
What you will see
- Simultaneous learning of English and academic content.
- Grade-appropriate content through the SEI model.
- Specific language objectives posted along with content objectives.
- ELE teachers provide ELD instruction within the content of the lesson.
What you won't see
- ELE teachers acting as paraprofessionals.
- ELE teachers engaged in non-academic tasks.
EL Identification Flowchart
Methuen Public Schools
Student Registers with FRC
Home Language Survey
Indicates a language other than English?
YES
NO → Not EL
Transfer Student Check
Is the student coming from another MA district with an EDWIN Report?
YES: Use EDWIN Report to determine status
NO
Schedule Language Screening
NOT EL Thresholds
• Preschool: ≤ 3 Incorrect
• Kindergarten: 5 List / 5 Speak
• Gr 1–12: 4.5 Overall & 4.5 Lit
EL
If scores are lower
Student is coded as EL. Scores decide placement in services.
Removal: ELAD is no longer used in Methuen
K-8 Placement Parameters
Methuen Public Schools
Primary Student Data
Most Recent ACCESS Scores
WIDA Screener Scores
EXCEL Opportunity
Possible EXCEL Placement:
Listening & Speaking scores in Level 1 Proficiency range.
Holistic Consideration
"Consider the student's Educational History and Newcomer status. If using old ACCESS scores, schedule a WIDA Screener to verify current levels."
SPED Consultation
Is there an IEP or Diagnosis?
YES
Consult SPED before placement
Lower School (K-4) Decisions
Scores 3.5+
Push-In ELD
Scores < 3.5
Pull-Out ELD
Upper School (5-8) Map
Grades 5–6
Pull-Out ELD
Grades 7–8
Push-In ELD
Other Services
Push-In ELD
SLIFE Identification Flowchart
Student Identified as EL
Tester Determines Criteria
- 8 to 21 years old
- Entered US after Gr 2
- OR Gap in education 6+ months
No → Not SLIFE
YES → Complete Pre-Screener
Tester Documentation
Upload Pre-Screener Questionnaire & Responses to Student Files.
Check off SLIFE Q Box on ID & Placement Sheet.
At Assigned School
ELE Supervisor / Chair Responsibilities:
1
Review Files
2
Full Interview
(within 10 days)
3
Academic Data
(within 10 days)
HS Guidance
Placement Exams
Grammar Schools
DIBELS / DreamBox
Math Exam
SLIFE
Final Determination
Academic skills are 2+ years below current grade level. Decision shared with ELE Secretary for official coding.
Enrollment & Testing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Methuen Public Schools
English Learner Education Department
How are EL Services provided?
If a student qualifies for English Language Development (ELD) support, services are provided through several models. At the grammar schools (K-8), these include:
Pull-out Lessons Inclusion Support EXCEL Newcomer Program
Note: Service models are determined by multiple factors; the specific model is not finalized at the initial enrollment stage. Please note that ELAD is no longer used in Methuen.
High School Placement & Graduation
Grade Level & Credits
High school grade levels are determined by the number of credits earned, not by the student's age. We cannot guarantee a specific grade level or graduation year during enrollment. Graduation depends entirely on completing all district credit requirements.
When will my student start school?
Completing testing is an important step, but several factors influence the timeline: FRC paperwork completion, SPED considerations, school-level placement, and transportation.
Once paperwork is complete, your information is sent to the school. School secretaries will reach out directly to arrange the student's first day.
Family FAQ
Enrollment Policy
Support & Access