Covington reports gains in EL programming and ACCESS exits; 49 students exited this year

District staff reported measurable gains this year in English‑learner programming and ACCESS testing outcomes.

The presenter told the board the district serves 696 English learners (22% of enrollment) and that 49 students exited the EL program this year after meeting attainment criteria. "Our attainment rate increased from 5.4 to 7," the presenter said, describing the growth as the product of targeted strategies and a team of certified EL teachers and paraprofessionals.

Staff described a two‑pronged program of newcomer programming and a "team toolkit" for more advanced EL students, combined with SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) strategies and co‑planning/co‑teaching where possible. The district uses STAR and benchmark data along with ACCESS scores to make data‑driven placement and exit decisions.

Presenters credited training, principal consults and school‑level priorities for the year‑over‑year gains, and said next steps include continued data review and expanded co‑teaching models where schedules allow. Board members asked follow‑up questions about staffing ratios in middle and high schools and about the use of translation and audio‑enhancement tools to improve communication and accessibility.

What happens next: staff will continue principal consults, present exit and exit‑trend data in August, and explore co‑teaching models and targeted professional development to sustain gains.