This flow chart explains the steps to determine if a student is an "English Only" speaker or an "English Learner (EL)." It describes the assessment that should be administered to determine EL eligibility.
Wagner, Ed.S., B. Bilingual Testing Referral Flow Chart.
This document fulfills requirements in Education Code 313(f)(2) for the teacher evaluation component N of the statewide reclassification criteria. This form may also be used as a tool for formative purposes and ongoing consultation with parents/guardians. OPTEL will soon be translated into the top six languages in California.
The tool has three main sections: receptive language, expressive language, and parent consultation to examine English language proficiency for English Learners. For the language portions there are observations for instructional setting and interaction type as well as ratings of evidence and accommodations provided. Parent input is embedded within the tool.
California Department of Education (2023). Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners (OPTEL). Sacramento, CA: California Department of Education. Accessed March 25, 2024.
This user guide supports educators using the OPTEL tool to observe and evaluate English Learner students’ English language proficiency. Keywords: English Learners, reclassification, California, language proficiency,
California Department of Education (2023). OPTEL User Guide. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Education. Accessed March 25, 2024.
