The Collierville Schools ESL mission is to narrow the achievement gap between native English speakers and English Learners (ELs) and help families support their academic success and cultural integration.

All students new to Collierville Schools will complete a Home Language Survey. If the presence of a language other than English is indicated, the student will be screened, using the state approved screener ELPA21, to determine their English language proficiency level in accordance with state law. The results will be used to determine the student’s eligibility for ESL services. Students identified as English Learners will be designated as such in the PowerSchool system. Classroom teachers will be made aware of the recommended and allowable accommodations and modifications to help the student succeed. A certified ESL instructor will provide language instruction at the school level until the student achieves English language proficiency. The state approved annual proficiency test, ELPA21, will be administered to all ELLs during the spring semester. The results will be used to determine placement and instructional plans for the following school year. The student will remain in the ESL program until English language proficiency is achieved. Once proficiency is achieved, the student will exit the ESL program, but the ESL teacher will continue to monitor his/her academic progress for the next two years and provide support as needed.