Lincoln Elementary School District 156 provides a curriculum and assessment system for English Learner (EL) students that is aligned with state standards while supporting language development alongside academic achievement. EL students receive instruction through research-based programs such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and bilingual supports, which integrate language objectives with core content in reading, math, science, and social studies. Teachers use differentiated strategies, scaffolding, and language supports to ensure access to grade-level content.

Assessment in Lincoln ESD 156 includes both local and state measures to monitor student progress and guide instruction. Locally, the district uses tools like Renaissance STAR assessments in reading, math, and early literacy to track growth throughout the year. At the state level, students participate in assessments such as the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) for English Language Arts and math, and the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). Additional assessments, including ACCESS for English learners and alternative assessments for students with disabilities, ensure that all students’ progress is measured appropriately.

Assessment for EL students includes both general education measures, such as i-Ready and classroom-based assessments, and specialized tools like the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, which monitors English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This combination allows educators to track both academic progress and language growth, ensuring instruction is tailored to meet the needs of multilingual learners.

For more information, visit Lincoln's CIA webpage: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment