85 Madison students pass English Learner class

More than 85 students graduated this week from the English Learner program in the Madison County Schools.

The graduation-style celebration was held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Madison Station Elementary School. 

The celebration included students in first through 12th grades from all across the district who have learned English as a second language in school and proven themselves proficient to exit the English Learner program, according to Madison County Schools Director of Federal Programs Jessica G. Smith.

“This is a special moment,” Smith said. “These students have overcome language barriers and maintained grade-level work. They have truly persevered to come to this day of recognition and achievement.”

The English Learner program, overseen by the district’s Department of Federal Programs, provides instruction and support in English proficiency to students who are not fluent English speakers when they enroll in Madison County Schools. 

Students qualify to exit the English Learner program once they pass the annual LAS Links English Language Proficiency Test, which includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing components.

“We appreciate the teachers, administrators, parent liaisons and interpreters, and parents for their hard work and support in helping these students reach this special milestone in their education,” Smith said, “We look forward to these students continuing to thrive in our schools, successfully graduate from high school, and make a positive impact in our community.”

Gene Graham, the district’s director of communications, said Madison County Schools has more than 1,000 students currently enrolled in the program. Graham said these students speak a combined 38 different primary languages.