Frequently Asked Questions

How does a student qualify for the English Language Development program?

All students complete a Home Language Survey as part of the online registration process for the district.  When a family indicates the influence of a language other than English, an ELD professional explores whether the student is eligible for ELD programming.  Program eligibility is determined by a body of evidence, which may include an English language proficiency test. 

How long will it take a student to reach English language proficiency?

Every student is different, and language develops at varying rates.  The Colorado Department of Education provides the guidance that "it takes English Learners four to ten years to develop academic English fully-to be able to listen, speak, read, and write in a way that is indistinguishable from a native English speaker." 

How do you measure English language development?

All students who are identified as English Learners in the state of Colorado take the WIDA ACCESS 2.0 assessment each January as a standardized measure of English language proficiency.  The Thompson School District also utilizes WIDA MODEL as a fall and spring benchmark assessment for students in the ELD program. 

What if guardians do not want a student to receive ELD programming?

While the ELD program recommends participation in the program based on a student's individual English language learning needs, the family ultimately decides whether or not to accept that recommendation.  Students who waive the ELD program will still receive an annual language learning plan and the annual WIDA ACCESS 2.0 assessment.