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Board approves ESL language plan to guide services for roughly 29 ELL students
Summary
The New Buffalo Area Schools board approved an ESL Language Assistance Program that uses WIDA screening and specifies pull-out and in-class supports; the district reported about seven elementary, eight middle and 14 high school English learners this year.
The New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education voted June 9 to approve the district's ESL Language Assistance Program after a presentation from Matt Bayley.
Matt Bayley described the program required by the Michigan Department of Education, saying the district screens students with the WIDA assessment (scores below 5 qualify a student as an English learner; a 4.8 composite marks proficiency). He explained elementary students at Levels 1 and 2 receive 20–90 minutes of pull-out support weekly while Level 3 students receive 15–30 minutes, and middle/high school services included a 70-minute ESL class plus English Essentials and push-in bilingual support. Bayley reported the district served about seven elementary, eight middle and 14 high school ELL students this year, including midyear arrivals from Afghanistan.
Superintendent Adam Bowen recommended board approval 'as presented.' Board member Denise Churchill moved to approve; Jennifer Summers seconded and the motion passed with all members voting in favor. The approval directs the district to implement the plan and continue required identification, screening and exit procedures as outlined by state guidance. The district's written plan was referenced as an attachment in the record but is not printed in the transcript.
