English Language Learner "is a child who does not speak English or whose native language is not English, and who is not currently able to perform, ordinary classroom work in English."
In the past, these students have been called "ESL" students or, even now, "LEP" (Limited English Proficiency) students.
These terms are more or less interchangeable. ELL support locations are designed to:
• Link academic concepts to students' prior knowledge and experience
• Use speech appropriate for students' proficiency levels, with clear explanations of tasks
• Address reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
• Provide opportunities for students to practice and apply new language and content knowledge in English.
• Encourage active participation throughout each session
• Promote frequent interaction and discussion among teacher and students
• Use a variety of resources that support content objectives, such as
• manipulatives, pictures, visuals, adapted texts, graphic organizers, etc.
Students' progress is tracked using testing that the state requires such as the K-12 Massachusetts English Language Assessment - Oral (MELA-O) and the Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment (MEPA) in reading and writing, grades 3 and up. After one year, these students are required to participate in all MCAS testing along with their peers.
The district has developed policies and procedures for initial intake testing when ELL students first come into our district. The district will be as supportive as possible in providing the training and resources to help all of our ELL student placements succeed. Through improved communications regarding effective practice, some well-targeted instructional materials, and consistent sharing of ideas, we feel that the districts' ELL students continue to be well served.
In the event you have a question, concern, complaint, or wish to file a grievance to resolve a complaint about the Sudbury English Language Learner Program, please contact Dr. Todd Curtis, Assistant Superintendent of Schools at 978-639-3216.
M.G.L.c.71A: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71A: Governs the education of English learners. (Coordinator: Dr. Todd Curtis)
A federal law with the goal of ensuring that every student in the nation receives equal education opportunities and access. Its primary purpose is to close the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority students and their peers.
Some of the guidelines are the following:
Formal Assessments
As required by the State of Massachusetts Department of Education, the ELL student is formally assessed annually using two standardized tests, namely the MEPA and the MELA-O. The tests are designed to assess the student's fluency in speaking, proficiency in writing, reading ability and listening comprehension. ELL instructors have been trained at the junior high and high school in administering these tests. The following information briefly describe each assessment:
Massachusetts English Proficiency Assessment (MEPA)
The MEPA is an annual assessment administered by designated instructors. It measures reading comprehension and written expression. The students are divided into groups based on their level of proficiency. For beginners, the assessment is largely based on visual stimuli, basic questions and basic writing prompts. The more advanced students read longer passages, answer questions, edit a passage and respond to writing prompts.
Massachusetts English Language Assessment - Oral (MELA-O)
The MELA-O is a classroom assessment instrument developed by the Department of Education in collaboration with the Center for Applied Linguistics at George Washington University. Classroom teachers use the MELA-O to evaluate a students' speaking and listening skills in English. Speaking skills are evaluated according to grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and fluency. Listening skills are evaluated assessing the student's comprehension ability.
In addition to these language assessments, ELL students are also required to take MCAS.
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