Reply to ESOL designation

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]ESOL teacher here.  OP, here's what you should know about MCPS and ESOL:[b] in order to be tested, there must be documented evidence of another language at home.[/b]  A home language survey is sent out at K orientation, asking what languages are spoken at home, even if your child always responds in English.  I personally do not like this criteria, but it's a county policy.  If another language is listed, teachers must test the student.  There is a new test this coming school year, but a shy kid who doesn't talk much, especially on the first days of school, could easily come back as needing ESOL when he or she actually does not.

If you absolutely do NOT want your child in ESOL, put English for everything.  It's what I did, even though my Hispanic husband speaks Spanish with our daughter.  If your child was entered into ESOL, even if you refuse service, she will still have to be tested every spring for English proficiency, and it is a huge hassle that I would not want my child going through for no reason.

Also, ESOL and bilingual education are completely different things.[/quote]

It's not true that there has to be another documented language in the home.  Our only language is English, but my kids were adopted from non-English speaking countries.  We listed our home as English speaking only.  My kids were tested every year through third grade.[/quote]

Sorry if I was not clear--I was referring to the OP's situation of another language being spoken at home.  IF there is another language, the student has to be tested.  A student may also be tested if he or she has had exposure to another language, as in your situation, with English not being the child's first language.

I do believe in some cases there is a little profiling with names, especially in schools with a low ESOL population to begin with.  Sadly, some just assume any kid with a Spanish last name speaks Spanish, etc.  But I think this has also caused a backlash of schools making sure there is written proof of another language before testing.  In any case, make it clear at orientation that your child should NOT be placed on an ESOL to-be-tested list (and be nice about it), and you'll be fine.  There's no need to be defensive, but firm is okay.[/quote]

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