With the introduction of ESSA, there are now statewide standardized entrance and exit criteria for all EL programs. View the identification, entrance and exit procedures from MDE. Also view the MDE exit manual.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) adopted the WIDA English Language Development standards in 2011. They focus on social and academic language that takes place in classrooms and beyond. View MDE's English language development standards.

The EL programs use assessments focused on language proficiency. Some of the standardized assessments for entrance, exit, and program accountability are listed here. View WIDA's ACCESS 2.0 assessment. View the WIDA screener assessment. View the WIDA Measure of Developing English Language (MODEL).

Our EL team focuses on the importance of academic language and how we use language to empower students for success. View WIDA's academic language standards.

We describe EL levels on a continuum from 1 (Entering) to 6 (Reaching). EL and other linguistically and culturally diverse learners, bring a unique set of assets that often enrich the experiences of all. Our approach is positive and focuses on what EL students can do with language as they are developing their skills. View WIDA's Can Do Descriptors. View WIDA's Performance Definitions.

Parents are notified by mail of student entrance to the EL program. They are also notified by mail annually for continuation of services or program exit. MDE's Initial Placement Parental Notification procedures can be found on page four of its EL Procedures manual.

Below are some additional resources families may find useful:

• Adult Options
• Preschool
• Student Meal Applications
• MDE English Learner website
• WIDA website

Is English not your family's native language? Find resources on how to translate the website, emails, pdfs and more into languages other than English.

View Translation Resources