PARENTS

Dear Parents of English Language Learners,   My job as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher is to help your children  learn or improve their English.  Services vary based on the student’s level of English language fluency.

  • We have a pull-out program in Shelby County, so I may pull your children out of one of their classes. I also help classroom teachers by providing information about language acquisition, resources, and cultural features that may affect learning English.
  • It is important that English learners continue acquiring academic knowledge while they are leaning English. Conversational English can be attained in as little as two years. However, reaching fluency in academic English may take as long as 7 years. Much depends upon the child’s past level of academic knowledge.
  • Learning a new language can be stressful and tiring. Please be patient with your child.

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Your children are classified in ESL according to how they do on the state language assessment ELDA (English Language Development Assessment).

  • “ELL” (English Language Learner). The students have not scored fluent in all areas of the state language test ELDA (English Language Development Assessment). These students receive services according to the level of English proficiency.
  • “T1 and T2″ (Transitional 1 and 2). These students have scored fluent in all areas of ELDA. I watch their progress in the classroom for two years.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s English progress, please call the school or email me at l1smith@scsk12.org.   Thank you,

Linda Smith