9921856, 6A-6.0902 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 9921856

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division:

State Board of Education

Chapter:

SPECIAL PROGRAMS I

Overview

RULE:

6A-6.0902	Requirements for Identification, Eligibility, and Programmatic Assessments of English Language Learners
6A-6.09021	Annual English Language Proficiency Assessment for English Language Learners (ELLs)
6A-6.09022	Extension of Services in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program
6A-6.0903	Requirements for Exiting English Language Learners from the English for Speakers of Other Languages Program
6A-6.09031	Post Reclassification of English Language Learners (ELLs)

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the rulemaking is to update and provide greater clarity by disaggregating Rules 6A-6.0902 and 6A-6.0903, F.A.C., into five separate rules regarding the requirements of: identification and placement of an English Language Learner (ELL), exit criteria of an ELL, the provisions of the annual English language proficiency assessment, requirements of extension of services, and post reclassification of an ELL. In addition, initial assessment of English language proficiency in Reading and Writing is shortened to ensure that students are placed in appropriate classes as soon as possible. The role of parental preference in identifying, assessing, and exiting ELLs is clarified, and the right of parents to have a student removed from a language instruction education program is expressly specified. The procedure for extension of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) services beyond three years is clarified to ensure that timely data is considered and that the basis for extension or exit is documented. The standards for exiting an ELL from the ESOL program are modified to provide uniform and accurate measures of English language proficiency, in accordance with state and federal law.

SUMMARY:

Revisions to existing Rule 6A-6.0902, F.A.C., include the following: Revisions relating to identification of ELLs are revised to clarify that the home language survey is to be completed during registration, rather than upon enrollment; the time period for completing an initial assessment of English language proficiency in Reading and Writing is shortened, and related processes contained in the rule are revised accordingly; the authority of the district to assess kindergarten students’ English language proficiency during kindergarten roundup is specified; the right of parents to have a student removed from a language instruction education program is clarified; one factor for consideration by an ELL Committee in its determination of whether a student is English language proficient is removed as extraneous; documentation requirements for ELL Committees are specified; provisions relating to the annual assessment of English language proficiency are moved to newly created Rule 6A-6.09021, F.A.C., and the requirements relating to assessing former ELLs are clarified; and provisions relating to extension of ESOL services are moved to newly created Rule 6A-6.09022, F.A.C., and the timing and requirements for extension of services beyond three years are clarified.
Revisions to existing Rule 6A-6.0903, F.A.C., include the following: the standards for exit from the ESOL program are modified; and provisions relating to post-reclassification of ELLs are moved to a newly created Rule 6A-6.09031, F.A.C.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

1001.02, 1003.56 FS.

LAW:

1003.56, 1011.62 FS.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/20/2011 Vol. 37/20

COMMENTS:

From 5/20/2011 To 6/10/2011 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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