WGU D169 - Study Guide Exam 2026
Questions and Answers
What does the term English learner (EL) mean?
What are some other terms used to refer to these students? - Correct answer-term
used to identify students whose first language is not English
ELL, ESOL, ESL, LEP
Federal law requires that parents be notified their child has been identified as an
English learner within what time period? (p. 12, Essential Reading 1) - Correct
answer-parents must be notified that their child has been identified as an English
learner within 30 days of the beginning of the school year, and within 2 weeks for
students that enroll during any other time during the school year
Describe one screening tool commonly used as the first step to identify English
learners. What is it called? Who completes it? What are some of the questions it
includes? (p. 12, Essential Reading 1) - Correct answer-HOME LANGUAGE
SURVEY is completed by the parents. Questions include What language did your
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,child first understand or speak? What language do you or others use most often
when speaking with your child? What language does your child use most often
when speaking at home? What language does your child use most often when
speaking with other family members? What language does your child use most
often when speaking with friends?
After a student is identified as a potential EL, how are placement or screener tests
used for further evaluation? (p. 12, Essential Reading 2) - Correct answer-ELP
tests must assess the proficiency of students in all four language domains (i.e.,
speaking, listening, reading, and writing). After the student completes the
assessment, parents or guardians must receive in a timely manner information
about the student's ELP level and program options, and an opportunity to opt out of
the EL program or particular EL services in the program.
What is the purpose of Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA (2015)
as it relates to the education for ELs. (p. 12, Essential Reading 2, Page 35) -
Correct answer-PRIMARY PURPOSE IS FUNDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF
EL LEARNERS
to determine whether students are eligible for English language instruction services
If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent
declines disability-related services, what is the school still required to provide? (p.
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,14, Essential Reading 1, Page 2) - Correct answer-Should parents decline
disability-related services under IDEA and Section 504, the SEA and LEA remain
obligated to provide appropriate language assistance services to ELs.
If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent opts
out of the EL programs and services, what is the school still required to provide?
(p. 14, Essential Reading 1, Page 2) - Correct answer-If parents opt out of specific
EL programs and services, but have consented to the provision of disability related
services, the LEA remains obligated to provide such services as required in the IEP
or Section 504 plan, and to conduct ELP monitoring and/or provide language
assistance as appropriate (FAPE)
What are some ways we can overcome the overidentification and under-
identification of ELs in special education? (p. 14, Essential Video) - Correct
answer-Be culturally and linguistically responsive. Consider native literacy and
language. Need more supports and services to address their language needs. Other
factors including cultural bias, teacher misunderstanding of child development
across cultures, and lack of teacher understanding of the second-language
acquisition process
Describe the 6 key principles for teaching ELs. (p. 16, Essential Reading 1) -
Correct answer-a. Instruction focuses on providing ELs with opportunities to
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, engage in discipline-specific practices, which are designed to build conceptual
understanding and language competence in tandem
b. Instruction leverages ELs' home language(s), cultural assets, and prior
knowledge
c. Standards-aligned instruction for ELs is rigorous, grade-level appropriate, and
provides deliberate and appropriate scaffolds
d. Instruction moves ELs forward by taking into account their English proficiency
level(s) and prior schooling experiences.
e. Instruction fosters ELs' autonomy by equipping them with the strategies
necessary to comprehend and use language in a variety of academic settings
f. Diagnostic tools and formative assessment practices are employed to measure
students' content knowledge, academic language competence, and participation in
disciplinary practices.
1. List the important components of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA). (p. 18, Essential Reading 1) - Correct answer-a. Legal rights for people
with disabilities
b. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) for eligible K-12 students
c. Special education and related services to meet a student's unique needs
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Questions and Answers
What does the term English learner (EL) mean?
What are some other terms used to refer to these students? - Correct answer-term
used to identify students whose first language is not English
ELL, ESOL, ESL, LEP
Federal law requires that parents be notified their child has been identified as an
English learner within what time period? (p. 12, Essential Reading 1) - Correct
answer-parents must be notified that their child has been identified as an English
learner within 30 days of the beginning of the school year, and within 2 weeks for
students that enroll during any other time during the school year
Describe one screening tool commonly used as the first step to identify English
learners. What is it called? Who completes it? What are some of the questions it
includes? (p. 12, Essential Reading 1) - Correct answer-HOME LANGUAGE
SURVEY is completed by the parents. Questions include What language did your
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,child first understand or speak? What language do you or others use most often
when speaking with your child? What language does your child use most often
when speaking at home? What language does your child use most often when
speaking with other family members? What language does your child use most
often when speaking with friends?
After a student is identified as a potential EL, how are placement or screener tests
used for further evaluation? (p. 12, Essential Reading 2) - Correct answer-ELP
tests must assess the proficiency of students in all four language domains (i.e.,
speaking, listening, reading, and writing). After the student completes the
assessment, parents or guardians must receive in a timely manner information
about the student's ELP level and program options, and an opportunity to opt out of
the EL program or particular EL services in the program.
What is the purpose of Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA (2015)
as it relates to the education for ELs. (p. 12, Essential Reading 2, Page 35) -
Correct answer-PRIMARY PURPOSE IS FUNDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF
EL LEARNERS
to determine whether students are eligible for English language instruction services
If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent
declines disability-related services, what is the school still required to provide? (p.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,14, Essential Reading 1, Page 2) - Correct answer-Should parents decline
disability-related services under IDEA and Section 504, the SEA and LEA remain
obligated to provide appropriate language assistance services to ELs.
If a student is identified as EL and is diagnosed with a disability but the parent opts
out of the EL programs and services, what is the school still required to provide?
(p. 14, Essential Reading 1, Page 2) - Correct answer-If parents opt out of specific
EL programs and services, but have consented to the provision of disability related
services, the LEA remains obligated to provide such services as required in the IEP
or Section 504 plan, and to conduct ELP monitoring and/or provide language
assistance as appropriate (FAPE)
What are some ways we can overcome the overidentification and under-
identification of ELs in special education? (p. 14, Essential Video) - Correct
answer-Be culturally and linguistically responsive. Consider native literacy and
language. Need more supports and services to address their language needs. Other
factors including cultural bias, teacher misunderstanding of child development
across cultures, and lack of teacher understanding of the second-language
acquisition process
Describe the 6 key principles for teaching ELs. (p. 16, Essential Reading 1) -
Correct answer-a. Instruction focuses on providing ELs with opportunities to
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, engage in discipline-specific practices, which are designed to build conceptual
understanding and language competence in tandem
b. Instruction leverages ELs' home language(s), cultural assets, and prior
knowledge
c. Standards-aligned instruction for ELs is rigorous, grade-level appropriate, and
provides deliberate and appropriate scaffolds
d. Instruction moves ELs forward by taking into account their English proficiency
level(s) and prior schooling experiences.
e. Instruction fosters ELs' autonomy by equipping them with the strategies
necessary to comprehend and use language in a variety of academic settings
f. Diagnostic tools and formative assessment practices are employed to measure
students' content knowledge, academic language competence, and participation in
disciplinary practices.
1. List the important components of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA). (p. 18, Essential Reading 1) - Correct answer-a. Legal rights for people
with disabilities
b. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) for eligible K-12 students
c. Special education and related services to meet a student's unique needs
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
