EL (English Learners) District Training Teachers/Coordinators: Whitney Sexton (BCES, CRES) Krystal Clark(NMES, BCMS, BCHS)

Interesting Facts Kentucky is home to more than 20,000 ELs. Currently the most common languages spoken by ELs in Kentucky are Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. In Bourbon County, we have ELs that speak Spanish, Russian, Gujarati, and Mandarin. Bourbon County began the 2007 school year with 23 ELs. This past year we had 133 identified as EL students. Next year, we expect that number to increase.

How EL students learn ELs usually learn “social” or “playground” English quickly, but many struggle to master “academic” English vocabulary. Students need strong reading and writing skills in English to have a chance to succeed in college. Long-term ELs—those who haven’t reclassified after five years—often drop out of high school. Reaching English proficiency by middle school is critical for success in high school and beyond.

FAQ Do public schools check legal status of students? No. By law, we are not permitted to ask this information. Can any student enroll in a public school regardless of legal status? Yes. Since we cannot ask about legal status, any student that lives within the school district can enroll. Is every bilingual student an EL student? No. Some students are proficient in English before moving to the United States and do not need services.

PSP (Program service plan) process On the front of the enrollment form is a Home Language Survey that parents must complete. This is required by federal law. If the parent indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home, the student must be screened. If the screen indicates a need for services, a Program Service Plan is written for the student. The PSP is designed with accommodations to help the student succeed in the regular classroom. These accommodations must be offered by every teacher involved with the EL student.

I may have an EL student. now what? If you have a student who may be an EL student, but aren’t sure, contact one of us and we will check. Make reasonable modifications, if needed, until we can screen the student or check records from other districts. Be patient and welcoming as the transition is progressing. If placed in the program, you will receive a copy of the PSP. The classroom and assessment modifications must be provided by every teacher who has an educational interest in the student.

Federal Laws that guide Title III Program Civil Rights Act, 1964-prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Equal Educational Opportunities Act (EEOA) of 1974- prohibits discrimination against faculty, staff, and students, including racial segregation of students, and requires school districts to take action to overcome barriers to students' equal participation. Lau vs. Nichols, 1974—US Supreme Court said that school districts in the US are required to take the necessary actions in order to provide students who do not speak English as their first language the ability to overcome educational barriers.

Modification in the classroom Written responses> Reduce the number of responses required, use visuals, and provide a word bank. Reading assignments> Highlight the important information, pre-teach information, and allow discussion time prior to reading. Vocabulary> Keep it concrete and clear. Provide lots of opportunities to use new language: puzzles, conversation, visuals, etc.

Communication Parents-Remember that many parents do not speak English, or if they do, it is often limited. Please consider this when attempting to contact them, either verbally or in writing. EL teachers-email, call or catch us in the hall. Our primary focus is language proficiency of ELs, but if you have a specific student concern or need, we will try to help. EL students-Language proficiency takes from five to seven years to accomplish. Don’t assume anything!

Good luck and have a fantastic year!