The goal of English Learner programs is for students to be able to access all of the instruction and materials in their regular classroom setting. EL teachers help students learn academic vocabulary, content, and language they need to participate fully in the life of the classroom.
Students who speak a language other than English at home will take an English language test when they register for school. Their scores will show their language level in English for speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Kindergarten students are only tested in speaking and listening. The test will determine who does and does not receive ESL services.
Based on their language levels and test scores, the EL teachers will work with the classroom teachers and determine the amount and kind of support needed. Some children will be seen daily, while others may only need moderate support. Most EL support is given inside the child's classroom to help a child access and understand their classroom instruction.
Students who are new to the country and English may qualify for the newcomer program.
Each year in February, students will take an English language test called the Access Test. Their scores will determine if the student will continue with ESL or exit the program. To exit ESL status, students must score at least 4 in reading, 4 in writing and 4.8 overall. Scores are shared in June of each year.
Please tell your child's classroom teacher what language you need information in. You can also contact the ESL teachers at 919-918-2220 ext. 26229.
These acronyms are all used to explain that a student is learning English as a second - or third or fourth -language. Another term you may hear is "emerging bilingual."
ML: Multilingual Learner
MLL: Multilingual Language Learner
EL: English Learner
ESL: English as a Second Language
ELL: English Language Learner