Boise School District

When families enroll a student, they complete a Home Language Survey. If the survey shows that the student’s primary language is not English, school staff notify the district’s ML Team. The student may then be given the WIDA Screener, which helps determine the student’s English proficiency level. If the student qualifies for English Language Development (ELD) support, the family and school are notified. The student then receives support and is monitored over time to make sure they are making progress and succeeding in school. 

Boise School District uses the following assessments for Multilingual Learners. 

1. WIDA Screener English Language Proficiency Test

   • The WIDA Screener is an English language assessment for newly enrolled students who may need support learning English. Students are identified for the screener based on the Home Language Survey completed at enrollment. The results help determine whether a student qualifies for English Language Development (ELD) supports.

2. ACCESS 2.0

   • ACCESS 2.0 is an annual English language proficiency assessment required by federal and state law and administered during the third quarter of the school year. It measures students’ academic English skills in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Because it is a required assessment, parents may not opt their child out of taking ACCESS 2.0. Educators use ACCESS 2.0 results, along with other WIDA resources, to make informed decisions about students’ English language development and support their continued growth.

Co-Teaching:

We provide students in Elementary and Secondary schools with support from a multilingual specialist who co-plans, co-teaches or consults with grade level content teachers to provide the differentiation and scaffolding appropriate for multilingual learners to access grade level content. 

English Language Development:

Elementary:  Multilingual students receive embedded and integrated language development within the grade level content area. Multilingual specialists and Distrit Coaches provide support for teachers and students to build their English while also learning content area curriculum. This is referred to as Sheltered Instruction. Newcomer multilingual students may receive additional short term support to get them acclimated to their new school and life in the United States. This may also involve intensive foundational literacy instruction depending on their need. 

Secondary: Students in grades 7^th -12^th grades have the option to take English Language  Development courses during their first years in the country. Foundational literacy is embedded in this course for students who demonstrate a need. 

Dual Immersion: 

We offer a Dual Language Program at Whitney and Whittier Elementary. Students who are native Spanish speakers  have the opportunity to learn grade level content in their native language and in English. 

At the secondary levels we offer a few classes each year to continue to develop their native langauge content knowledge while also taking core content classes in English. 

Interpreters are available to support communication between school staff and family members whose primary language is not English. This helps ensure families can fully participate in conversations about their student’s education, including meetings, school information, services, and important updates.

If a family member needs an interpreter, they may request one through their school office.

If you are a school employee you will find our interpreter information on our Mulitlingual Learners Google Site: Interpreter & Translation Resources.