English Learners

Welcome to the SFSD English Learner Program

Welcome to the Sioux Falls School District English Learner (EL) Program!
We are proud to serve a beautifully diverse group of students and families who speak more than 100 different languages and bring rich cultural backgrounds to our schools.

Our EL program is designed to support students in developing strong English language skills while helping them succeed in academic content areas and thrive socially and emotionally. Whether your child is new to the country, learning English as a second or third language, or continuing their journey toward full English proficiency, we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

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.

Program Overview

The English Learner (EL) Program in the Sioux Falls School District serves over 3,000 students across K–12 who are developing English proficiency while participating in the district’s academic programs. Our mission is to ensure that all EL students acquire the English language skills necessary for academic success, social integration, and long-term opportunities.

We follow evidence-based practices and align our instruction with the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English across all content areas.

Handbook
Students

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

Laura Brennan

EL Intake & Screening Specialist

✆ (605) 231-2833
✉ Email Laura Brennan

Students

Elementary English Learner (EL) Services

The Sioux Falls School District provides English Learner (EL) services at 13 elementary schools throughout the city. These schools have dedicated EL teachers who support multilingual learners in developing their English skills while participating in grade-level instruction.

Students

Middle School English Learner (EL) Services

The Sioux Falls School District offers strong English Learner (EL) support in multiple middle schools, helping students build English language proficiency while continuing to grow academically and socially in a supportive environment.

Students

High School English Learner (EL) Services

All four Sioux Falls School District high schools provide comprehensive English Learner (EL) support to help students succeed in their academic courses while continuing to develop strong English language skills.

Sara Klaahsen

Sara Klaahsen

Coordinator of Language Immersion & Professional Development

✆ (605) 367-8304
✉ Email Sara Klaahsen
➢ IPC