English Language Learners Program

The English Language Learner Program (ELL) provides support to students who are in the process of acquiring the English Language. Knowing two languages is a valuable skill in today’s world. The English Language Learner Program strives to build upon the skills that the students have in their native language as they become increasingly fluent in English. We recognize that developing strong skills in English is necessary for students to be successful in our classrooms.

Students must learn the classroom content as they are developing their English vocabularies.  We support our students by making modifications to the regular curriculum, tutoring, small group instruction, access to bilingual literature, and by meeting individual student needs in other ways.   ELL services are provided to students by ELL teachers, ELL endorsed classroom teachers, bilingual aides, or a combination of teachers and aides.

It is the belief of USD 475 that all students can achieve. The content taught in regular education classrooms is important to the educational success of all children. USD 475 values the diversity of its population. Our ELL students represent a variety of cultures and bring with them traditions that may be different from those of other families. All USD 475 students gain from the cultural awareness and enrichment that these students contribute to our schools

Any student whose parents indicate that their child has been exposed to a second language on their enrollment form will be screened to see if they qualify for ELL supoort. Parents whose children qualify will be notified. Students remain in the ELL program until they meet the criteria for exiting. That criteria includes good grades and proficient scores on state tests.

Contact Bernie Altenhofen for further information.