High School Online Program of Studies

English Language Learning (ELL) Department

PHILOSOPHY

 

The mission of the ELL Department is to develop the English proficiency of students, enhance their academic achievement, and support classroom teachers to ensure quality instruction.

Beliefs about teaching ELL students:

  • A flexible, student-centered ELL program in a nurturing environment encourages student risk taking and promotes language acquisition.
  • Access to the mainstream curriculum at the appropriate instructional levels enables ELL students to gain proficiency more rapidly.
  • Content materials that integrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing enhance language acquisition.
  • Meaningful communication, collaboration, and interaction with teachers and peers in the classroom enable students to develop skills more quickly.
  • A variety of teaching strategies enables students to acquire language more efficiently.

Beliefs about learning English:

  • Students learn best when their cultural identities are valued.
  • Language development may include a silent period during which learning takes place.
  • Language proficiency includes both social and academic language skills.
  • While students may require seven to ten years to become proficient in English, they exit the ELL program when they are able to continue learning English independently.
  • Literacy in the first language facilitates the development of literacy in the second language.
  • Reading widely in any language improves all aspects of language proficiency.
  • Language proficiency continues to develop after students exit the ELL program.
  • Students can learn more than one language simultaneously.

 

 

English Language Learning (ELL) Courses Offered 2023-2024

INTERMEDIATE ELL (9/10)

ADVANCED ELL (9/10)

 

 

 


INTERMEDIATE ELL (9/10)
 

Course Description:

Intermediate ELL students already have a fundamental knowledge of English but need to develop skills that will enable them to participate fully in regular high school classroom discussions and assignments. Emphasis is placed on integrating listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Instruction may be differentiated and strategies and materials are adapted to the needs of individual students.  

Intermediate ELL students take the ELL class in addition to a complete program of academic courses. Intermediate ELL students must participate fully in English and Social Studies classes; they are graded on their assignments throughout the year, and must receive a passing grade to receive credit. ELL, English and Social Studies courses are reported as PS/FL (Pass/Fail) on the student’s report card and transcript. When appropriate, the ELL teacher works closely with core subject teachers in order to provide support. Assessments in ELL are designed specifically for ELL students. They measure the student’s overall English language proficiency according to the WIDA Model (Measure of Developing English Language) Tests, which are administered twice a year, usually in October and in April.

 

  
 

Prerequisites:

Previous study of English is required at this level.  Placement is made based on testing and/or ELL teacher approval. 

  
 

Credit:

1.0 credit per year or 0.5 per semester.

  
 

Length of Course:

One or two years. Determined by individual progress, the teacher’s recommendation, and/or consultation with subject area teachers. Students exit the ELL  program after Grade 10. 

  
 

Texts:

Choice of materials depends on the needs of the students.

  
  Requirements: