VISION

Piedmont Community Charter School strives to meet the unique needs of our multilingual learners by providing support to students and their families to ensure equitable opportunities for academic success.

MISSION

PCCS provides content-based English language development instruction to our Multilingual Learners (ML) in a pull-out setting. The English Language Development  (ELD) teachers use both the Common Core Standards (CCS)  and the English Language Development (ELD)  Standard Course of Study to assist our students in attaining English language proficiency as well as academic success in their core academic subjects. 

FAQ’s

How are students identified as Multilingual Learners?

The federal government requires that all schools administer a Home Language Survey to all families. This survey is used to determine whether or not the student will be administered the WIDA Screener to assess the four domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  If a student is identified as a Multilingual Learner (ML), a letter is sent to the parents containing  the results along with the type of services offered. 

What kind of services will my child receive?

In accordance with the federal legislation “No Child Left Behind”/ESEA, PCCS is required to inform parents in writing of the kind of ELD service your child will receive. The ELD teacher sends a “Notice of Eligibility” to the parents at the beginning of each school year detailing the information specific to each child. The  school’s Language Instruction Education Program (LIEP) outlines the criteria and services offered.

What if I don’t want my child to receive services?

Parents have the right to decline services.  Parents wishing to decline services may indicate their desire on the Notice of Eligibility. However; once a student is identified as a ML, the state of North Carolina requires the student to participate in the annual assessment for English Language proficiency until s/he meets the exit criteria. The criteria is listed in the Notice of Eligibility.

What accommodations can my child receive?

Multilingual learners who have an ACCESS for ELLs composite score of less than 5.0 qualify for testing accommodations. These accommodations may be used on local assessments as well as the state End-of-Grade and End-of-Course tests.

The accommodations available to ML students are listed below:

• read test items aloud to student (math only)
• computer reads test aloud to student (math only)
• extended time to complete the test
• test in a separate room
• multiple sessions to complete the test
• use of a bilingual dictionary or electronic translator
• allow the student to read test aloud to self

ELD teacher will meet with the classroom teacher and together they will make recommendations for testing accommodations for the student. Parents are then notified in writing of the recommendations. If the parent/guardian disagrees with any of the recommendations, he/she may contact the school to speak with the principal, ELD teacher, regular classroom teacher, or the testing coordinator. If the testing accommodations are refused, the child will take the EOG/EOC without accommodations.

When  or how will my child exit the English Language Development (ELD) Program?

In order to comply with state and federal law, students remain in the ELD program until they score a Composite Score of 4.8 on the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 which is administered annually in the spring.

Who do I contact if I have questions concerning my child’s placement in the ELD program or services provided?

You may reach out to the ELD teacher at your child’s school campus:

Viktoria Adamovicova, Elementary ELD teacher

Email: [email protected] 

Ana Barreto-Mathews, Middle School ELD Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Michelle Pazzula Jimenez, High School ELD Teacher

Email: [email protected]