WELCOME TO ELL Mrs. Park

What is ELL? ELL is an acronym for English Language Learner. In years past, it has been called ESL, for English as a Second Language. The new name change does not limit the number of languages a student may know.

How does a student qualify for ELL? A parent or teacher may request an assessment for English proficiency. Upon this assessment, students are either recommended or not recommended for the program. However, besides the test, we do use multiple criteria for entrance to the program.

Goal Depending on each child, students may be in the program for 1 or several years. In all cases, the purpose of the program is to bring students to a proficiency level so that they will be successful in the mainstream classroom. In a small group setting, students receive individualized help in vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and comprehension. All aspects of language acquisition—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are taught and reinforced.

Expectations Students are expected to come to class ready to learn which means every day they will need: a positive attitude their ELL folder Also, students are given homework every night, other than Friday. Grades 1-2: reading, picture words, and any assignment given that day Grades 3-5: 30 minutes of reading recorded in their Reading Log, Journal writing, picture words, and any assignment given that day

ELL Assessments In September or when students begin at Mackay, the WIDA Model is given as an ELL entrance assessment. The results are provided by one of the ELL teachers. In the spring, all ELL students will be given the ACCESS. These test results are NOT provided by one of the ELL teachers. It is sent out for scoring. The results are given to the ELL teachers the following September/October. Then, parents will receive a Parent Report in the mail.

PARCC for Grades 3-5 Students who have entered a U.S. school after July 1st of that school year will be exempt from taking the Language Arts section. However, they will still take the Math section, and the Science section for fourth graders, with the use of a paper bilingual dictionary and extra time. Students who have entered a U.S. school before July 1st of that school year will take all parts of the PARCC with the use of a paper bilingual dictionary and extra time.

Contact Information Please set up a mutually convenient time, if you have any questions or concerns. Email: cpark@tenafly.k12.nj.us Telephone: 201-816-7701