The Iredell-Statesville School System (ISS) is using the Idea Proficiency Test (IPT) as the sole English language testing tool as required by the state effective beginning the 2001/2002 school year. All students are tested initially and then annually using this instrument. Annual tests will be administered until the students exit the ESL program.

In making placement decisions, the IPT is scored. The scores are compared to the NC DPI cut score sheet which determines the student's proficiency levels. Students who initially score S in all four sections of the IPT are not placed in the ESL program. LEP students who score S on all 4 sections of the annual IPT administration are exited from the ESL program.

Students who score novice are placed in first year ESL classes or beginner pull-out groups. Students with intermediate scores are placed in intermediate or advanced pull-out groups or first or second year ESL classes.

Novice to intermediate high kindergartners through fifth graders receive a minimum of two 30-minutes sessions of ESL pull-out services per week. Novice students receive more time than intermediate high students.

At the middle school level, all students receive a minimum of 80 minutes of ESL service per week. At the high school level, all students eligible for district ESL services receive a minimum of 90 minutes per day.

When ELL students are enrolled, parents are notified of available ESL services through the following:

• ESL teacher
• System-wide interpreter
• Personnel at the school who speak their language
• Hired interpreter when available
• Written information from available interpreters
• Other options