English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Mission

Blue Valley Schools' multilingual learners program provides instruction in English language acquisition to help students succeed academically and adapt socially and culturally.

Program Objectives

Blue Valley Schools is committed to providing quality educational services to Multilingual Learners (MLs). All ESOL classes are taught by highly qualified ESOL teachers. Program objectives include:

Teaching English language skills, which include listening, speaking, reading and writing
Assisting in students' social and cultural adjustment, so they can be involved in school and community activities
Providing students with opportunities to experience and practice the English language
Communicating regularly with the general education classroom teachers to monitor students' progress, to suggest teaching strategies and to discuss cultural adjustment
Serving as a liaison between home and school to promote academic success for Multilingual Learners

Common Abbreviations

ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages
ESL: English as a Second Language (no longer used in our district)
ELL: English Language Learner (most often referred to as Multilingual Learner)
ML: Multilingual Learner
KELPA: Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment
KELPA Screener: Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment Screener (given to all students with a language other than English new to the district)
ILP: Individualized Language Plan

Blue Valley Schools currently has nearly 4,000 students who speak a language other than English at home. More than 1,000 students are enrolled in the district’s ESOL program. Students demonstrate a range of proficiency levels in speaking, reading and writing. The state of Kansas has adopted the following terminology for proficiency levels, along with commonly used terms:

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5
Emerging or Beginning	Developing or High Beginning	Approaching or Intermediate	Proficient or High Intermediate	Mastery or Advanced

School Enrollment Process

Step 1: Create an account in ParentVue and register online through the Blue Valley website. If you need assistance from an interpreter, please contact Jackie Dearth at jmdearth@bluevalleyk12.org.
Step 2: Bring the following documents to your neighborhood school:
- Proof of Residency (electric bill, lease)
- Birth Certificate
- Immunization records
- Previous school records
Step 3: If a language other than English is marked on the home language survey filled out in this process, you will need to follow the steps below for ESOL testing.

View registration information on the Blue Valley Schools website View registration information in your preferred language

ESOL Enrollment Process & Screening

If a language other than English is selected on any question in the Home Language Survey, your child will be tested to determine if they qualify for ESOL services. Students attending a school with an ESOL program may be tested at their school.

Step 1: Complete Online Registration
Middle and high school students must complete the KELPA Screener before enrolling in classes.

Step 2: Schedule a Screening Appointment

Email jmdearth@bluevalleyk12.org to schedule a screening appointment.

Step 3: Finalize Enrollment

After completing the KELPA Screener and meeting with the ESOL coordinator, you may return to your neighborhood school to finalize enrollment and select classes.

Note: If your child qualifies for ESOL services and your neighborhood school does not offer an ESOL program, Blue Valley’s ESOL department will provide free bus transportation to the assigned ESOL school.

Our Program Model

ESOL in Our Schools

Newcomer Guide

Family Resources & Support