English Language Learner (ELL) Information
What is an English Learner (EL)?
An English Learner (EL) is someone who is in the process of learning the English language and who has been identified as primarily using another language. At CSA, we value the importance of identifying these students as they sometimes need extra support within the classrooms and while learning the English language.
Note: The following terms can be used interchangeably.
EL – English Learner
ELL – English Language Learner
How do you identify if a student is an English Learner (EL)?
Each student that enrolls in a Texas public school for the first time will have a Home Language
Survey filled out form them. This form will let the school know how long the student has been in
the United States along with what languages are spoken at home. If you are not sure if you have
completed this form, please call the office at 512-989-2672.
Survey filled out form them. This form will let the school know how long the student has been in
the United States along with what languages are spoken at home. If you are not sure if you have
completed this form, please call the office at 512-989-2672.
We then use this data to identify those that need further testing to determine their English
proficiency level or how well they know the English language. Testing will place a student in one
of two categories: 1) Proficient in English or 2) Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
proficiency level or how well they know the English language. Testing will place a student in one
of two categories: 1) Proficient in English or 2) Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Testing involves 4 domains of the English language:
• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking
• Reading
• Writing
What if my child is identified as EL/LEP?
Those that test as proficient in English are not identified as ELL and will stay in the general classroom without extra supports. Those that are identified as having a Limited English Proficiency (LEP) level will be identified as ELL and offered extra services and support through our English as a Second Language Program (ESL).
Parents must agree to services in the ESL program for them to be provided. Even if a parent does not agree to receiving services, the student is still identified as ELL and will still take the state mandated TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) each year.
What services and accommodations can my child receive in the ESL program?
At CSA, we use the ESL program to provide service to students above and beyond what they get in the general classroom. Students are often pulled from class at certain times to get individualized instruction based on their latest language testing. Our ESL teacher is Ashley Ellis and she can be reached at [email protected]
Sometimes EL students need accommodations in the classroom and on assessments to give them the best chance to succeed. Any accommodations for the classroom or for assessments are talked about during the LPAC meetings that are held 3 times a year.
How does my child exit the ESL program?
Each year, Texas EL students take TELPAS or the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System. This test assesses 4 domains within the English language, which are: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
TELPAS assesses students within each domain at 4 levels:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Advanced High
A student could score Advanced High in Listening, but Intermediate for Writing. Students that meet Advanced High in all 4 domains are eligible to exit the ESL program.