English Learner Program

Welcome to Our English Learner Program

South Lake Schools warmly welcomes all families to our district. We believe that language diversity enriches our school community and are committed to supporting multilingual students on their educational journey.

Our Program

The English Language (EL) Program at South Lake Schools provides comprehensive support for students whose primary language is not English. Our program features:

• A supportive learning environment specifically designed for bilingual students
• Certified teachers with expertise in language acquisition
• Culturally responsive teaching methods that honor diverse backgrounds
• Regular progress monitoring to ensure academic success
• Educational resources tailored to English Learners' needs

Michigan WIDA Assessment Requirements

Initial Screening

• All new students who indicate a language other than English on the Home Language Survey must be screened within 10 school days of enrollment
• For kindergarten: WIDA Screener for Kindergarten
• For grades 1-12: WIDA Screener Online or Paper
• Students scoring below 4.8 composite proficiency level qualify for EL services

Annual Assessment

• All identified English Learners take the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment annually between January and March
• This state-mandated assessment measures progress in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• Student scores determine continued eligibility for services and inform instructional planning
• Students exit the program when they achieve a composite score of 4.8 or higher and meet additional state criteria

Language Support

If English is not your primary language, we're here to help! Our services include:

• Assistance with school registration
• Interpretation services for meetings and events
• Translated materials for important communications
• Family resources 

Contact Us

To request an appointment for assistance with registration or to learn more about our English Learner Program, please contact:

Louna Obeid
EL Coordinator for South Lake Schools
586-435-1642
[email protected]

We look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's academic success!