Hope everyone has had a chance to check out the blog! Today I am adding a document from our district ESL Consultant with some frequently asked questions about the EL program and EL students in our district.
Remember, if there is anything specific that you would like to get more information about to better help your students, fill out the contact me form on the blog and I will find resources on the topic.
Kenton County EL (English Language) Program
FAQs
What is LEP/ELL/EL?
All of the above acronyms refer to students whose parents have indicated on a home language survey that there is a language in the home in addition to English and have been tested in English proficiency. The results indicate that the students qualify for the English Learners (EL) program. Each district is required to assist their English Language learners (ELL), limited English Proficient (LEP) students or English learners (EL).
How does the EL Consultant help my school with their EL Program?
The EL Consultant works with schools to help provide services to their ELs. The EL Consultant helps schools to properly identify, document, assess and place ELs into the EL program. The Consultant is available to help teachers learn how best to accommodate the needs of their particular students and provide professional development opportunities and informational meetings about the needs of English learners.
As a teacher, how can the EL Consultant help me?
The Consultant provides the teacher with a copy of each student’s Program Service Plan (PSP). The plans are distributed at the beginning of the year and they outline data as well as classroom accommodations and modifications recommended for each student. The Consultant is able to meet to answer any questions/concerns regarding the students and is available during team meetings and classroom time to explore EL strategies.
What do I have to do as a teacher of an EL student?
The teacher needs to follow the student’s PSP by providing appropriate accommodations and modifying material for that student so that he/she can be successful in your classroom. The teacher is legally required to implement the accommodations in the classroom in order for the student to receive them during testing. The teacher completes a Teacher Evaluation three times a year for each EL student to provide feedback for the EL program to help meet both the teacher and student needs.
Should I retain an EL student?
Typically, no. EL students may not be retained based solely on their level of English language proficiency. Since academic success is dependent on English language proficiency, academic difficulties may not be justification for retaining an EL student. If you are considering suggesting that an EL student repeat a grade, please contact the EL Consultant and he/she can guide you through the decision and documentation process.
What if I suspect a student has a learning disability? Should I refer them to Special Education?
Not yet. We must take every precaution to ensure that an EL student is not misdiagnosed as having a learning disability. This requires the combined expertise of the EL and Special Education professionals. Together, discussion should include implementation of appropriate interventions along with careful documentation. If the ARC determines that a Special Education referral is appropriate, the EL staff and Special Education should work together as a team through every step of the process.
Should I insist that the family/parents of my English language learner speak English at home?
No. Second language acquisition relies heavily on first language proficiency. If students are being taught skills in their first language, they will learn those same concepts in English more effectively and possibly more quickly. Also many times parents will try to help their child in English even though their English is not proficient, thereby exposing their child to a poor example of English rather than a good example in their native language. Please encourage your student’s parents to teach their children the skills they need to be successful in whichever language.
Why doesn’t my EL student talk in the classroom or with me?
The research shows that most EL students experience a “silent” period. This is a time in which they absorb the English language but do not feel confident enough to speak it. Do not assume that they do not understand what you are asking. Please do not force EL students to speak when they are not ready yet. The time for the “silent” period differs for each student. It may last for an entire school year. The EL students may feel more comfortable speaking with peers. It takes between 1-3 years for EL students to acquire social language and 5-7 years to acquire academic language.
Teacher responsibilities
*Have copies of EL students’ PSPs on file in your classroom
*Implement instructional and assessment accommodations/modifications outlined in PSPs.
*Contact the EL Consultant if you have questions/concerns
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