Recent federal guidance allows Maine to define English language proficiency for an English learner with a disability who participates in Maine’s alternate English language proficiency (ELP) assessment, the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.
In response, Maine has established for the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, the composite proficiency level of P2 as the exit score. A student identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) in the statewide Infinite Campus State Edition (ICSE) is reclassified as Fully English Proficient or Former LEP – 05 when the student attains a composite proficiency level of P2 on the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs and will no longer be classified as an English learner. School administrative units are to verify the accuracy of students’ LEP codes in ICSE and ensure that the program exit date is entered.
Please note that there is no provision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that would authorize the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team to remove the “EL” designation before the student has attained Maine’s definition of English proficiency. In addition, schools or school personnel do not have the authority under federal law to remove a student’s EL designation before the student has been deemed proficient in English solely because the student has an IEP.
More information can be found here or contact the Department’s Director of ESL/Bilingual Programs Nancy Mullins at 624-6788 or nancy.mullins@maine.gov.