Waiver Procedures

Ipswich Public Schools

Multilingual Language Learner Waiver Policy

Parents of English Language Learners may waive their child’s participation in the state- required program for English Language Learner (ELL’s), which is referred to as the Sheltered English Immersion program. This can take place only in circumstances when an alternate English Language Learner Program, the Transitional Bilingual Education would be better for the student’s education progress and rapid acquisition of English.

Parents can request a waiver in the following circumstances:
1. Children already know English, as measured by standardized tests.
2. Students are 10 years old or older, if it is the informed belief of the principal and educational
staff that another program is more beneficial for a rapid acquisition of English.
3. Children with special needs, even if they are under age 10. (Waivers granted under this section
cannot be applied until after 30 calendar days of a school year have passed). In this case, both
the Ipswich Public Schools Superintendent and the respective school principal must authorize
the waiver.
4. Should the District have 20 or more students at the same grade level who receive a waiver, the
District would be required to offer a bilingual program or another type of program.
5. In all other cases of waiver, students can attend school in a district where these programs are
offered.
Please note that the waiver process cannot be used to exit English Learners with disabilities from the
program.