English Language Learner Program

English Learner (EL) Program

Our Commitment

At Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy, we are committed to providing equitable access to a high-quality education for all students. Our school ensures that students identified as English Learners (EL's) receive appropriate language instruction educational programs designed to help them attain English proficiency and meet Alabama’s academic standards.

EL District Plan

Identification and Placement

Upon enrollment, all families complete a Home Language Survey as required by the Alabama State Department of Education.

If a language other than English is indicated, students are screened using a state-approved English language proficiency assessment.

Parents/guardians are notified in writing regarding:

Their child’s English proficiency level
The instructional model used to support language development
How the program will help their child achieve English proficiency and academic success
Their right to accept or decline EL services

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

English Learners participate annually in Alabama’s state-required English language proficiency assessment.

Student progress is monitored regularly to ensure:

Growth in English language development
Continued access to grade-level content
Readiness to meet exit criteria established by the Alabama State Department of Education

Students exit the EL program once they meet the state’s English proficiency criteria and are monitored for the period required by state guidelines to ensure continued academic success.

Language Instruction Educational Program

English Learners at Floretta P. Carson Visual and Performing Arts Academy are educated alongside their peers in general education classrooms while receiving appropriate language support services.

In accordance with Alabama guidelines, EL students:

Have access to the full general education curriculum
Participate in grade-level academic instruction
Are not removed from core academic instruction solely for language services
Receive accommodations and supports to ensure meaningful participation

Services may include:

English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction
Push-in support within the general education classroom
Small group or supplemental language instruction
Classroom accommodations and instructional modifications
Collaboration between ESL staff and general education and arts instructors

Instruction focuses on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing while ensuring students can actively participate in academic and visual and performing arts programs.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

Parents and guardians of English Learners have the right to:

Receive timely information about the EL program in a language they understand
Request interpreter or translation services for meetings and school communications
Review their child’s educational records
Accept or decline EL services
Participate in school activities and parent engagement opportunities

We encourage families to partner with us to support student success.

Equal Education Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of the Alabama State Board of Education and the Department of Education (SDE) that no student will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, religion, belief, national origin, ethnic group, or disability.