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Explore by Role: ELL

• Is the instruction for ELLs really different?

  Good instruction is good instruction, yet there are some strategies and techniques that are especially important for ELLs. For many years teachers of ELLs have used more pictures, more scaffolding, and other techniques.  Since the majority of our client schools have high percentages of ELLs, we’ve learned that more explicit instruction with manipulatives is highly effective. ELLs who cannot segment the individual sounds of spoken English words generally have a difficult time learning how to relate these sounds to letters in written words.  Since phonemic awareness is the foundation for reading, spelling, and word recognition, it is important to provide this instruction to our English Language Learners. 
  
  

• How do ELLs fit in RTI or MTSS tiers?

  ELLs make the most improvement when they receive appropriate Tier 1 instruction and participate in a Tier 2 or Tier 3 group if needed. During the core (or Tier 1) instruction time English Language Learners should be participating in instruction that provides opportunities for oral language development, peer discussions, and vocabulary development.  Effective Tier 2 instruction should be explicit with multiple opportunities for student response, plenty of structured practice, and immediate corrective feedback. 
  
   Watch this video of instruction that is explicit.
  
  

• Should we expect ELLs to make benchmark on time or is there a lag?

  Although non-English speakers do learn to read in English as well as their English-speaking peers, our experience has shown that sometimes they reach proficiency a few months later especially in the early years as they are transitioning over to English. Providing explicit phonics instruction helps ELLs understand how sounds and symbols connect in the English language; it’s important to point out the similarities and differences between their first language and English. Teachers of ELL students appreciate knowing a sequence for instruction of English phonics concepts.
  
  

• Why do I have to test my ELLs using English words?

  Assessing ELLs in both their languages is important. Initially it’s critical to assess in their first language because this data tells us about their oral language skills in the language spoken in their home. The larger the primary language vocabulary the better. It’s much easier to teach students about English when they are more proficient in their first language. Yet it’s necessary to assess them in English to see how their knowledge in the second language is progressing.