The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) supports elementary and secondary students with learning the English they will need to be successful in school. This is different from the English they will use with their friends or family outside of school.

There are two types of support in TVDSB for English language learners:

• English as a Second Language (ESL) support is appropriate for students who have attended school and can read and write in their first languages at an age-appropriate level.
• English Literacy Development (ELD) support is appropriate for students who have missed all or some of their schooling or who cannot yet read and write in their first language at an age-appropriate level.

Who is eligible for ESL/ELD support?

ESL/ELD support is available for the following English language learners:

• students born in Canada who speak a language other than English or a different variety of English
• students born outside Canada who speak a language other than English or a different variety of English

How does TVDSB support English language learners?

In elementary schools, ESL/ELD teachers work with students in their regular classroom, in a group, or individually. ESL/ELD support programs are developed with the classroom teacher based on each student's needs.

At Eagle Heights the ESL/ELD teachers work with students, classroom teachers, and support staff to provide the necessary support and expertise for the ESL/ELD students to be successful. Currently, Eagle Heights is home to eight ESL/ELD teachers who are Mr. A.Chams, Ms. A. Sujak, Mrs. M. Mintsioulis, Mrs. K. Corrin, Mr. A. Hunter, Ms. T. Pocock, Ms. C. Cuckovic and Mrs. S. Sheppard.

In designated secondary schools, students can take up to five ESL or ELD courses toward a secondary school diploma. Beginning-level students can take courses in different subjects created for English language learners (e.g., Math, Civics, Geography, History, etc.).