Need questions answered in another language?

Translation is provided by the school district at no cost to families. Contact our ML teacher to set up services.

Email Alyssa Skaves

You can also find a translator using the Maine DOE's Translator and Interpreter Service list.

The State of Maine uses the WIDA screening tools to determine whether a student qualifies for ML services and their entering proficiency level.

• WIDA offers online and paper based screening options for students.

• Screening is performed by a trained, certified ML teacher.

• Results of WIDA screening assessments will be shared with parents whether the student qualifies for services or not.

How does a student qualify for screening?

To register a student for school, parents have to complete something called a "Home Language Survey." This survey asks about what languages are spoken in the home, languages a child speaks and understands, and the first language they spoke and understood. If any language is indicated other than English, the state mandates a language screening be performed.

This decision tree explains the process.

Teachers can also refer students for ML screening if they have concerns about a child's English proficiency. In this case, our ML teacher, Alyssa Skaves, will contact the parent to let them know screening has been suggested.

For more information, please review the Maine Department of Education's Multilingual Learner Identification Policy.

What if I don't want my child to be screened?

Language used in school is different than language students use when speaking English with friends or family. It requires specific academic vocabulary and skills. Screening students for Multilingual Learner status is one way we as a school district can ensure that your child is getting all the support they need to feel successful in the school environment.

What do the screening tools look like?

The York School District administers two different types of English language screeners.

• Kindergarten Screening (Grades K-1): The WIDA Kindergarten Screener consists of a series of activities that measure how much English a child is able to produce and understand. The screener reads a story, and asks the student some questions. The process takes about a half hour and can happen during the school day.

  • For students in first grade, students are asked to complete an additional writing and reading portion of this screener.

• Online Screener (Grades 2-12): The WIDA Online Screener is an online assessment that measures students speaking, listening, reading, and writing ability. The screener is dynamic, which means it will ask more complex or less complex questions depending on the skill level of the student. Paper-based options, especially for the writing portion of the test, are available.