Teaching ESL Students What You Need to Know

What is ELL The state of Tennessee defines ELL students as: Those whose native language is other than English and whose difficulty in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language is an obstacle in classrooms where English is the only language of instruction.

What’s in a Name? ESL – English as a Second Language ELL – English Language Learner ESOL – English as a Second or Other Language ELD – English Language Development LEP – Limited English Proficiency FEP – Fluent English Proficient

Identifying ELL Students The way teachers and administrators can identify ELL students is by administering the Home Survey with the following questions: What is the first language your child learned to speak? What language does your child speak most often outside of school? What language does your child speak most often inside the home?

Assessment – Identifying current ESL Level Students must be given the CELLA (Comprehensive English Language Assessment) to identify their current ELL level. Levels are determined by scores on the CELLA test. There are three areas of assessment: 1. Oral/Speaking& Listening 2. Reading 3. Writing

Placement based on scores (Grades K – 2)

Placement Continued (Grades 3 - 5)

Placement Continued (Grades 6 – 8)

Placement Continued (9 – 12)

Testing out of ELD If a student scored above the 35th percentile on a standardized norm-referenced tests and is currently performing at grade level the student is then identified as English proficient and in no longer in need of services. Also, if the student scores advanced in two out of three areas on the CELLA the student will be identified as a T1 Transitional 1st year.

What is T1 and T2 When a student has passed the CELLA in advanced in two of three areas they are classified as T1 and exit the ESL program to be monitored by the district for the first year of transition. A T2 is if the student is successful for the year as a T1 the district must continue to monitor them for one more school year. When a T2 is successful in the regular classroom without ESL support he/she can be reclassified as a FEP or LEP.

Retention Issues ELL students must not be retained in grade level because of their language skills. Alternatives to Retention: 1. Remedial before - and after – School programs 2. Tutoring 3. Summer school 4. Instructional Aids, and 5. Peer tutoring

Accommodation & Modifications

Role of the Teacher Become a student of culture Be sensitive to cultural differences Promote a multicultural point of view Allow students to become students of culture

Classroom Support Classroom support is crucial for the success of the ELL student. Simple and easy to do activities that offer support could include the following Curriculum material that reflect a variety of cultural groups Lessons that address different learning styles and modalities Visual aides and bilingual resources Role modeling/peer grouping

Methods of instruction Interactive lessons with hands on activities and cooperative learning Encouragement of creativity and discovery Versatility and flexibility Enhancement and support of the mainstream curriculum Opportunities for all students to feel successful

Parents of ELL students The parents of ELL students need support to: Understand how U.S. school system works Understand how local school districts and schools operate What is expected of them by schools, districts, and personnel Participate in their child’s education

Things to Remember English is not an easy language to learn Use a variety of methods and strategies to support a positive learning environment Be sensitive to cultural differences Provide consistency in classroom regulations and expectations

Resources www.educationworld.com www.tesol.org www.kumc.edu/diversity/ www.englishclub.com www.elearningguild.com/ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslstudent.html

Bibliography Tennessee English as a Second Language Program Guide (2003) State of Tennessee Department of Education English as a Second Language (ESL) Curriculum Standards (retrieved January 2005)