2. Teaching ESL Students What You Need to Know

3. What is ELL The state of Tennessee defines ELL students as: –Those whose native language is other than English and whose difficulty in speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language is an obstacle in classrooms where English is the only language of instruction.

4. What’s in a Name? ESL – English as a Second Language ELL – English Language Learner ESOL – English as a Second or Other Language ELD – English Language Development LEP – Limited English Proficiency FEP – Fluent English Proficient

5. Identifying ELL Students The way teachers and administrators can identify ELL students is by administering the Home Survey with the following questions: What is the first language your child learned to speak? What language does your child speak most often outside of school? What language does your child speak most often inside the home?

6. Assessment – Identifying current ESL Level Students must be given the CELLA (Comprehensive English Language Assessment) to identify their current ELL level. Levels are determined by scores on the CELLA test. There are three areas of assessment: 1. Oral/Speaking& Listening 2. Reading 3. Writing

7. Placement based on scores (Grades K – 2)

8. Placement Continued (Grades 3 - 5)

9. Placement Continued (Grades 6 – 8)

10. Placement Continued (9 – 12)

11. Yearly ESL Testing with ELDA Every ESL student must be tested every year to establish ESL level, growth, and yearly progress. Tennessee State currently uses the ELDA to determine students reading, writing, listening, and speaking level for ESL students. Testing out of ESL is determined the ELDA results, and two other sources of documentation proving students proficiency. Students must score a 4 to be considered eligible for promotion with two additional sources. If a score of a 5 is obtained students may exit with confirmations of grade level proficiency with one other source of documentation.

12. What is T1 and T2 When a student has passed the ELDA with a 4 or 5 they are classified as T1 and exit the ESL program to be monitored by the district for the first year of transition. A T2 is if the student is successful for the year as a T1 the district must continue to monitor them for one more school year. When a T2 is successful in the regular classroom without ESL support he/she can be reclassified as a FEP or LEP. T1 and T2 students are not entitled to any accommodations/modifications for testing purposes

13. Retention Issues ELL students must not be retained in grade level because of their language skills. Alternatives to Retention: 1. Remedial before - and after – School programs 2. Tutoring 3. Summer school 4. Instructional Aids, and 5. Peer tutoring

14. Accommodation & Modifications

15. Role of the Teacher Become a student of culture Be sensitive to cultural differences Promote a multicultural point of view Allow students to become students of culture

16. Classroom Support Classroom support is crucial for the success of the ELL student. Simple and easy to do activities that offer support could include the following Curriculum material that reflect a variety of cultural groups Lessons that address different learning styles and modalities Visual aides and bilingual resources Role modeling/peer grouping

17. Methods of instruction Interactive lessons with hands on activities and cooperative learning Encouragement of creativity and discovery Versatility and flexibility Enhancement and support of the mainstream curriculum Opportunities for all students to feel successful

18. Parents of ELL students The parents of ELL students need support to: Understand how U.S. school system works Understand how local school districts and schools operate What is expected of them by schools, districts, and personnel Participate in their child’s education

19. Things to Remember English is not an easy language to learn Use a variety of methods and strategies to support a positive learning environment Be sensitive to cultural differences Provide consistency in classroom regulations and expectations

20. Resources www.educationworld.com www.tesol.org www.kumc.edu/diversity/ www.englishclub.com www.elearningguild.com/ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslstud ent. htmlhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/esl/eslstud ent. html

21. Bibliography Tennessee English as a Second Language Program Guide (2003) State of Tennessee Department of Education English as a Second Language (ESL) Curriculum Standards (retrieved January 2005)