Purpose
Fell Charter School is committed to providing all students with equitable access to a high-quality educational program. The Board recognizes that students identified as English Learners (ELs) have the right to meaningful participation in all educational programs and services. The School shall provide an appropriate Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) designed to assist English Learners in attaining English language proficiency and meeting the same challenging academic standards expected of all students.
Authority
This policy shall be implemented in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to:
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
• Pennsylvania School Code
• Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance regarding English Learners
• WIDA Consortium requirements and guidance
Definitions
English Learner (EL) – A student who meets Pennsylvania criteria for identification as an English Learner and whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English may deny the student the opportunity to participate fully in the School’s instructional programs.
Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) – A program of instruction designed to assist English Learners in developing English language proficiency while achieving academic success in the content areas.
Policy Statement
Fell Charter School shall:
- Identify potential English Learners through the Home Language Survey and Language Use Survey.
- Assess students who may qualify as English Learners using the WIDA Screener or other state-approved assessment.
- Provide an appropriate Language Instruction Educational Program for all identified English Learners.
- Ensure equal access to all academic programs, extracurricular activities, enrichment opportunities, special education services, gifted services, and school-sponsored activities.
- Provide qualified personnel to deliver English language development services.
- Monitor the progress of English Learners through multiple measures of academic achievement and English language proficiency.
- Administer state-required assessments, including ACCESS for ELLs and statewide assessments, as required by law.
- Monitor former English Learners for the period required by Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations.
- Communicate with families in a language they can understand whenever practicable.
- Conduct periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of the School’s Language Instruction Educational Program.
Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction
The School shall ensure that English Learners have access to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and curriculum provided to all students.
Instruction for English Learners shall:
• Incorporate language development objectives aligned with WIDA English Language Development Standards.
• Provide meaningful access to grade-level content.
• Utilize research-based instructional practices designed to support language acquisition and academic achievement.
• Include appropriate accommodations and supports based on individual student needs and English language proficiency levels.
Assessment and Accountability
The School shall use multiple measures to evaluate student progress, including classroom performance, local assessments, state assessments, and English language proficiency assessments.
Identified English Learners shall participate in all required state and local assessments with appropriate accommodations as permitted by state and federal regulations.
Safe and Supportive Schools
The School shall foster an inclusive environment that values linguistic and cultural diversity. English Learners shall have equitable access to counseling, behavioral supports, extracurricular activities, and all school programs.
Materials and Resources
The School shall allocate sufficient instructional materials, technology resources, assessment tools, and funding necessary to implement an effective Language Instruction Educational Program.
Professional Education
Professional development related to English Learners shall be provided to staff as appropriate. Training may include instructional strategies, language acquisition, cultural responsiveness, assessment practices, accommodations, and legal requirements.
Special Education and Gifted Services
English Learners shall have equal access to Child Find activities, special education evaluations, gifted evaluations, and related services. Language acquisition needs shall not be confused with disability-related needs.
Students who are both English Learners and students with disabilities shall receive services that address both identified needs in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Program Evaluation
The School shall annually review the effectiveness of its Language Instruction Educational Program through analysis of student performance data, English language proficiency outcomes, academic achievement, family engagement efforts, staffing adequacy, and compliance indicators.
Delegation of Responsibility
The Chief Academic Officer and/or Principal shall develop administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy and maintain a comprehensive Language Instruction Educational Program Plan consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
Adopted: 7/27/26