ACRONYM

Definition

ACCESS

ACCESS (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State) – an annual assessment given to LEP students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 to determine language proficiency levels.

AMAO

Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives

AYP

Adequate Yearly Progress

BICS

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills, or social language

CALP

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency, or academic language

CLD

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

CLP

Continuous Learning Plan, a form used for summer school students

EL

English learner, refers to the student and/or family

ESL

English as a Second Language, refers to the program

ESOL

English to Speakers of Other Languages

FES

Fluent English Speaker, a student who speaks like a native English speaker

FWC

Family Welcome Center

HLQ

Home Language Questionnaire, must be completed for every student enrolled in the district

IEP

Individual Education Plan, associated with Special Education

IPT

Idea Proficiency Test; a district test formerly given to determine placement in ESL

L1, L2

First Language, Second Language

LAS

Language Assessment System; a test formerly given to determine ESL placement

LEP

Limited English Proficient, or Limited English Proficiency

MAP

Measure of Academic Progress; a district-mandated test

MCA

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment; a state-mandated test

MDE

Minnesota Department of Education

NEP

Non-English Proficient

RET

Research Evaluation and Testing; an A-H Department

SYNERGY

Information management system for student information and data

TEAE

Test of Emerging Academic English; formerly a state-mandated test for LEP students

TESOL

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages; a professional organization

SOLOM

Student Oral Language Observation Matrix; formerly a state-mandated test for LEP students

W-APT

WIDA-ACCESS Placement Test – an English language proficiency test given to incoming students who may be designated as English language learners.

WIDA

World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment – the MDE is a member of this consortium that has developed the WIDA English Language Proficiency standards and the ACCESS test for LEP students. WIDA English language proficiency standards are grounded in scientifically based research and best educational practices in general, and English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education.