Language Assessment

Every student entering the Dedham Public Schools is given a Home Language Survey in a language that is comprehensible to him/her.

If the results of the survey indicate a first language other than English, the student is referred to the ESL teacher for language proficiency testing.  The district currently administers the WIDA Model test to assess the student’s English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In addition to proficiency testing, teachers also look at previous school records, if available.

If the student tests as non-proficient in English, (s)he is enrolled in the district’s English Language Learner Program.  Service delivery time is determined by the level of proficiency.  Students are placed in small groups for direct English language instruction.