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English Language Learners (ELL) |
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Purpose
To enable students to become fluent and comfortable with the English language in social and academic settings. At the end of their time in the program, the ELL students should be confident to function independently at a grade-appropriate level.
ELL Curriculum
The ELL curriculum, developed by Morrison ELL teachers with input from core teachers, divides language learning into six levels that are recognized across the world in the field of teaching English as a foreign or second language. These levels are beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate, and advanced. The language levels also assume a continuum of progress. That is, many of the skills taught at the beginner level may continue to be developed in other levels. See chart below for a more visual explanation. (Note the overlaps.)
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Curriculum Level
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Approximate Grade Level
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Beginner
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Kindergarten
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Elementary
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1st - 2nd grade
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Pre-Intermediate
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3rd - 5th grade
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Intermediate
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5th - 7th grade
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Upper Intermediate
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7th - 9th grade
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Advanced
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9th - 12th grade
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ELL Exit Requirement
The exit requirements are grade level achievement in all areas, mastery of all benchmarks and independence in classroom work (no modifications are necessary). Only those students who meet these requirements will be given an exit test.
If a student exits ELL, he/she will be monitored during the following semester. Adjustments will be made if the student is found to be struggling with class work. Generally, students remain in ELL for two to three years.
Helping Your Child Learn English
- Read with/to your child daily and talk about the stories afterward
- Listen to songs and books on CD from the school library or at:
- Storyline
- Storyteller
- Watch cartoons, movies, the news, science programs, etc in English and discuss them
- Play reading and vocabulary games; here are three good websites:
- GameGoo
- Monster Hangman
- Seussville
- Encourage your child to keep a journal or write to a friend or relative
- Participate in English speaking activities
- Provide opportunities to speak English at home by inviting friends over
- Work and play together! This adds vocabulary and experience to help students improve reading comprehension
- Love, praise, and affirm your child - all these enhance language learning
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