English Language Learners Proficiency Levels of English Language Learners

Proficiency Levels of ELLs Point Draw Match Select Circle State Choose Act Out Label Name List Beginner Students Can: “I have little or no English proficiency.” Beginner students are those with little or no English proficiency. The English sound system is new to them, and they comprehend little of what is said in English. They may go through a "silent period" where they attempt to make no English sounds. However, beginner students quickly connect the concepts they know in their primary language to the new English language environment, and they can participate in the classroom by doing the activities listed here. Beginners may demonstrate various levels of oral and literacy skills in their primary language. Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000 Northwest Regional Education Service District

Proficiency Levels of ELLs Intermediate Recall Retell Define Describe Compare Contrast Summarize Restate Students Can: “I have good oral skills in English, but minimal reading and composition skills in English.” Intermediate level students have good oral skills in English but have minimal reading and composition skills in English. They may be able to converse at length and to comprehend anything said to them, however reading and writing at grade-level in English is difficult. Some intermediate students may be literate at or above grade-level in their primary language. Literate students quickly transfer reading and writing skills into English and are able to perform the activities listed here. Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000 Northwest Regional Education Service District

Proficiency Levels of ELLs Advanced Analyze Create Defend Debate Evaluate Justify Support Explain Students Can: “I am fluent in oral English and have some reading and writing skills, but need help to pass tests.” Advanced students are those who are nearly proficient in English. They understand and speak English fluently but have difficulty reading and writing English. Advanced students have difficulty taking standardized and norm-referenced tests because of the higher-order thinking skills required. Some advanced students may by fully literate in their primary language while others may have only limited literacy skills in their home language. In order for advanced students to become proficient in English, they need experiences that involve the following skills listed here. Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000 Northwest Regional Education Service District

Second Language Acquisition Strategies and Activities All students learn when the information is comprehensible. ELLs require second language acquisition strategies and activities that make the language and information comprehensible. Intermediate Early Advanced/ Advanced Beginning/ Early Intermediate All levels of ELLs benefit from: Cooperative grouping activities Visual aids Graphic Organizers Manipulative and hands-on activities Concrete to abstract presentations Vocabulary Strategies Adapted from IDRA, Intercultural Development Research Association © 2000 Northwest Regional Education Service District