Our immersion program is a combination of literacy and content-based instruction, where we work with one-to-one or small groups, both in and out of the classroom. We work with the classroom teachers to make sure the needs of the ELL students are met. Whatever is being taught in the classroom, is reinforced as much as necessary. When these needs are met, we can go on to any of the second language acquisition concepts each individual child will benefit from.

The reading teachers and I need to keep our communication open since  acquisition of the English language includes many of the same concepts being dealt with during the child's reading sessions. We reinforce these concepts as much as necessary, and likewise, the reading teachers are aware of what concepts are being taught during ELL sessions. This year, we have Ms. Jes Pilar working with our ELL students as a full-time aide.  This allows for additional student assistance in the classroom.

Dictionaries appropriate to the student's level of English fluency are given to each child to keep in the classroom and also for their use at home. Materials are often sent home for the children to use and always returned promptly!

I have  found an abundance of ELL web sites to share with teachers and parents to help in assisting our children. The use of the Lightspan program has been well received and has shown to be of value.

We monitor the progress of English language fluency through two formal assessments. The children are assessed in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The test given yearly and upon entering our district is called the ACCESS.  The ACCESS monitors English proficiency in Grades K-8.

The other ELL assessment which is the IMAGE is also used throughout Illinois. The IMAGE is given to ELL students as an alternative to the ISAT. It assesses reading, writing, and math skills. IMAGE scores can be used to assist district personnel in tracking student growth in these areas. They also can be used to assist in identifying the services students need in order to meet Illinois Learning Standards and WIDA Standards. The test is geared to cover areas applicable to a second language learner as comparable as possible to the skills assessed with the ISAT.

The CD-ROMS listed below are currently being used with the ELL students and can be purchased for use on your home computer. 
Community Exploration
Interactive English
Rolf's Word Journey
My First Incredible, Amazing Dictionary.
 

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