EL Intake & Screening Specialist
✆ (605) 231-2833
✉ Email Laura Brennan
We believe that multilingualism is an asset. Our team of dedicated teachers, liaisons, and staff are committed to ensuring each English learner has the support they need to grow, achieve, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Our program supports students by:
Identifying students who qualify for services through a language screening process
Providing tailored instruction through a variety of service models, including co-teaching, small group support, English Language Development (ELD), and sheltered instruction
Monitoring student progress with tools such as the WIDA ACCESS assessment
Collaborating with families and classroom teachers to support language growth and academic achievement
Our vision is to foster a community where every English learner is valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
The Sioux Falls School District follows a clear and consistent process to identify students who may need English Learner (EL) services. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to learn English and succeed in school.
Enrollment and Identification Process
The Sioux Falls School District follows a clear and consistent process to identify students who may need English Learner (EL) services. Our goal is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to learn English and succeed in school.
Home Language Survey
When a student is enrolled in the Sioux Falls School District for the first time, families complete a Home Language Survey as part of the registration process. This form asks questions about the languages your child speaks and hears at home.
If the survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken, the student is referred for language screening.
Language Proficiency Screening
Eligible students are scheduled for a screening appointment to assess their English language proficiency.
Screenings take place at our District Screening Office, located at the Community Engagement Center at Axtell Park (201 N West Avenue).
We use the WIDA Screener to assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Based on the results, students may qualify for English Learner services.
Laura Brennan
Language Immersion Opportunities
In addition to our English Learner (EL) services, the Sioux Falls School District also offers a Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program for students who are heritage Spanish speakers. This unique opportunity allows students to grow academically while maintaining and strengthening their home language.
What Is Two-Way Immersion?
The TWI program brings together Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students in the same classroom. Students learn content in both Spanish and English, becoming bilingual and biliterate as they move through school.
This program is an excellent option for heritage Spanish speakers who want to:
Maintain and deepen their Spanish language skills
Build literacy in both English and Spanish
Connect with their cultural identity while meeting academic goals
Participation in the TWI program can lead to strong academic outcomes, high levels of language proficiency, and future opportunities such as the Seal of Biliteracy.
Sara Klaahsen
Coordinator of Language Immersion & Professional Development
✆ (605) 367-8304
✉ Email Sara Klaahsen
➢ IPC