The term “English language learner” is defined by English Language Learners: ESL and ELD Programs and Services: Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12 (2007).
Schools should make the determination about the readiness of an English language learner to participate in each component of the provincial assessments. Section 2.9.1 of English Language Learners states: “English language learners should participate in the Grade 3 and Grade 6 provincial assessments in reading, writing and mathematics and the Grade 9 provincial assessment in mathematics, when they have acquired the level of proficiency in English required for success.”
Further reference:
- Supporting English Language Learners: A Practical Guide for Ontario Educators, Grades 1 to 8 (2008)
- STEP: Steps to English Proficiency, A Guide for Users (2015)
Ensure decisions regarding accommodations for English language learners are made:
- prior to the assessment
- for each student individually
- in consultation with the student and parents or guardians and with the appropriate educators
Permitted Resources During the Assessments
The following resources are permitted for English language learners:
- reading only, no additional resources permitted
- writing only, digital or paper dual-language dictionaries or resources to translate one word at a time on open response writing tasks only. These resources must be used on a regular basis.
- mathematics only, students can translate an individual term or a larger amount of text using digital and/or paper dual-language resources (e.g., dual-language list of terms, translating tool, student created reference tool). These resources must be non-instructional (e.g., no examples or definitions) and used on a regular basis.
Refer to the Accommodation and exemptions section for more information. English language learners are eligible for additional permitted accommodations listed in this guide if:
- they are in the early stages or steps of English-language acquisition. It is assumed that these students require accommodations for classroom assessments throughout the school year. These students are not required to have an IEP to access the accommodations. Record the accommodations in the e-assessment system;
OR
- they have special education needs and an IEP. Record the accommodations in the e-assessment system.