Welcome! These pages provide resources for families of English Learners.
Who is an “English Learner”?
Kids and teens aged 3 through 21, whether in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school (or preparing to start), who were born in another country or in the U.S. but speak a different language at home (including Native American or Alaska Native languages), and need assistance with speaking, reading, writing, or understanding English.
Because of this, these students need support:
- Keeping up with schoolwork
- Doing well in classes taught in English
- Joining fully in everyday life and activities
Each state has a process to identify English Learners, beginning with a Home Language survey and then an English language proficiency screener. That process is outlined here. If the English language proficiency screener shows the student is eligible for services, their school is required to provide them with extra help to learn English, enabling them to succeed in class and feel part of the community. If a child meets these criteria, their school is required to provide them with extra help to learn English, enabling them to succeed in class and feel part of the community.
Source: ESEA Section 8101(20)
For a parent guide for English learners click on the language you prefer:
The Benefits of Speaking More than One Language
The language you speak at home is a powerful gift for your child and it helps them learn and grow. Speaking your home language every day builds strong thinking and learning skills. Children can learn English at school and still grow up multilingual, which will help your child succeed now and in the future!
Watch this video in English
Watch this video in other languages here
Watch this video in Spanish
How do I Know if My Child Needs Support in Becoming Literate in English?
Parents of English Learners often want to know how their child is progressing in learning English. In New Hampshire, English Learners in Kindergarten through 12th grade are required to take an annual English Language Proficiency assessment called ‘ACCESS for ELLs’. The information from this assessment shows how well the student can listen, speak, read, and write in English and is used to identify areas of strength and need.
Teachers look at four parts of language when they check how English learners are doing:
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Listening – how well your child understands (interprets) spoken English
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Reading – how well your child can read and understand (interpret) written English
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Writing – how well your child can write (express) in English
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Speaking – how well your child can talk (express) in English
Listening and reading are essential skills that enable students to interpret the English language. Writing and speaking are ways students express themselves in the English language.
Source: WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition
What Helps Children Understand What They Read?
- Word recognition: reading words accurately and fluently
- Language comprehension: understanding the meaning of language.
This model is known as the Simple View of Reading.
Helping Families Stay Informed: What Schools Must Translate for Families of English Learners
Even if your child speaks English well, they may need additional supports to reach their academic potential. Additionally, U.S. schools must provide language support to families of English Learners if they ask for it and are legally required to translate certain information for families. This includes, but is not limited to, information related to:
- Registration and enrollment in school and school programs
- Language assistance programs
- Report cards
- Grievance procedures and notices of nondiscrimination
- Parent handbooks
- Gifted and talented programs
- Student discipline policies and procedures
- Magnet and charter schools
- Special education and related services, and requests for parent permission for meetings to discuss special education
- Standardized test results*
- Student participation in school activities
- Parent-teacher conferences
*20 U.S. Code § 6311(b)(2)(B)(x)
Here’s What You Can Say to Request a Translator:
“My name is ________ and my child attends (name of school). My primary language is _________. I am requesting professional interpretation services for verbal communication and translation of documents and written communication, so that I may fully participate in my child’s education.”
Additional Resources
Learn more about the rights of English Learners and their families by clicking on the resources below, then select the back button on your internet browser to return to this page.
