Establish a provisional classification period of roughly 45 to 90 days to detect and correct initial EL misclassifications¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report recommends a limited time frame after initial classification during which educators observe students' classroom language use, gather evidence, and correct erroneous classifications in either direction. A range of "time frames from 45 to 90 days was proposed", though no specific timeline is recommended. Six possible initial classifications (language classification by special-education status, Table 2) could in principle be confirmed or corrected during this period, with instructional services and parental notifications proceeding on the normal schedule.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A specified protocol involving teachers, parents, and administrators for reviewing suspected misclassifications; immediate provision of services based on initial classification; parental involvement in any correction

Constraints¶

• The period should be long enough to detect and correct misclassifications but short enough to avoid being educationally disruptive; the federally required 30-day parent notification window was viewed as insufficient for detection and correction

Target Learners¶

• Initially classified English learners and initially fluent English proficient students, including those with language-related learning disabilities

Target Learning Goals¶

• Accurate EL classification and appropriately targeted language instructional services

Related Strategies¶

• Use trained staff, parent interviews, and EL classification committees to reduce initial EL misclassifications
• Regularly examine the validity of classification instruments and procedures, monitoring accuracy for student groups prone to classification errors

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• H. Gary Cook & Robert Linquanti. (2015). Issues and options associated with initially classifying English learners (ELs). Council of Chief State School Officers. https://www.ccsso.org