Teacher Resources

On this page: Acronyms * Research & Resources of Best Practice * Note Taking * Benefits of Bilingualism

You will find information to support your ELLs at all STEP levels here. But first, a quick refresher on the acronyms you may see...

ESL = English as a Second Language (this is the program of second language instruction)

ELL = English Language Learner (use this term to distinguish student from the program; these students are generally assumed to be at or close to grade level with their native literacy)

ELD = English Literacy Development (these students have little or no prior literacy in any language)

STEP = Steps to English Proficiency (this is language development continua that tells us where are students are at with their English language development)

OLB/OLLB = Observable Language Behaviour/Observable Language and Literacy Behaviour (The continua adapted from the language curriculum whereby an ELLs progress is measured)

DPF = Digital Portfolio (unique to the UGDSB, this is the online student folder, shared with administration, SERTS and the classroom teacher, in which we place the initial assessment and the OLBs)

Big Ideas that Inform our Teaching

1. Parental and societal influences have a profound effect on ELLs' learning and are an integral part of that student.

2. Most second language learners take anywhere from 5-7 years to "catch up" academically in their second language. ELLs are trying to catch up to a moving target.

3. Students learn a second language more easily when they come from homes where the first language is encouraged and used at home.

4. Second language learning does not detract from first language learning. Many literacy skills transfer from one language to another.

5. ELLs must be exposed to meaningful language just above their current language level for language acquisition to take place.

6. Direct language instruction must be context rich for ELLs.

7. Learners who are fluent in two or more languages have a cognitive advantage.

8. Cooperative grouping is beneficial for ELLs.