FSA 5: English Learners in AEDY Programs
"English Learners" or "ELs" refers to students who have been determined to be Limited English Proficient or Non-English Proficient and thus require language assistance services "to overcome language barriers that impede [their] equal participation in instructional programs."
AEDY Programs accepting ELs have the faculty and materials necessary to provide adequate and appropriate language assistance services that teach ELs English in all four language domains (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), provide meaningful access to their grade-level core content instruction, and implement individualized plans to outline instruction based on the students' needs.
A teacher who provides specialized English language development instruction (also known as English as a Second Language or ESL) and who provides a grade for the English Language Development (ELD) instruction either in a content class setting or a separate setting must hold a PA Instructional I or II Certificate AND the ESL Program Specialist Certificate. AEDY Programs accepting ELs provide EL services by utilizing teachers who hold ESL Teaching Credentials and use materials that are appropriate for the ELs' ages and levels of English proficiency.
AEDY Programs provide LEP Parents of students in AEDY Programs adequate translation and interpretation services.
To complete this section of the FSA in Leader Services, do the following:
Answer all FSA questions, making sure to address the Standards to be Met/Procedures to Follow embedded at the top of the page
Upload procedures that outline how translation, transcription, and/or interpretation services are provided
Upload Individualized (student-level) EL Plan template (EL-ILLP)
Resources for English Learners
Video Transcript
FSA 5 focuses on students identified as English Learners.
There are two types of English Learner plans - a programmatic plan, called the English Learner plan or EL plan, and an individualized plan, called the English Learner Individual Language Learner Plan or EL-ILLP. An approved English Learner plan is required as part of the application process. This plan is a program- or district-wide plan which outlines the provision of services to ALL students identified as English Learners. This plan also identifies the parties responsible for providing the EL teacher and support services.
The EL-ILLP template used by your program and sending LEAs is required as part of monitoring. This plan outlines the supports and services for one student. El-ILLPs are written by the sending LEA and implemented by the AEDY program while the student is seated. The EL-ILLP is a required upload as part of the student referral process for any student identified as a current English Learner. When referring a student who is a current English Learner, the nature and amount of support required in the referral must match the EL-ILLP.
Both the EL Plan and the EL-ILLP outline supports for students identified as English Learners.
When an English Learner is seated in AEDY, both the program and sending LEA must work together to ensure the student receives all services outlined in the EL-ILLP. The approved EL plans from the program and sending LEA should be referenced along with the EL-ILLP uploaded by the LEA as part of the referral process. Additionally, the program and sending LEA must ensure translation, transcription, and/or interpretation services are available to the student and family if needed.
A procedure for translation, transcription, and interpretation is required in FSA 5. A template document and additional resources provided by PDE are available in this [module]. When writing the procedure, be sure to include the name of the service provider, their contact information, and the type of service(s) provided. TransAct documentation translation services are available to all PA districts, schools, and educators via PDE. See the resources in this [module] for more details.
Translation, Transcription, and Interpretation Services
PDE, in collaboration with Chester County Intermediate Unit, provides access to TransAct, an online school documentation translation service that allows every district, every school, and every educator in Pennsylvania with professional multilingual parent notifications to effectively meet the parent communication requirements mandated by federal law. The step-by-step instructions found here provide information on how to use the TransAct parent notices site (PDE).
Q: Can our program use a service other than or in addition to TransAct?
A: Yes. Ensure your service provider(s) is able to meet the needs of all students and families.
Q: Our program already holds a contract for these services, what is required for the FSA?
A: A procedure which outlines how and who will contact the service provider in the event that translation, transcription, and/or interpretation services are needed. See the provided sample (below) for your use.