What is ELL? ELL (sometimes called ESOL) is an abbreviation for English as a Second Language. It’s a program offered by public schools to help students who speak another language at home learn English.
Who are the ELL students in South Portland? South Portland has ELL students from more than 24 countries, who speak more than 15 different languages.
Who qualifies for ELL support? Any student who speaks a language other than English at home can be enrolled in the ELL program. When a student registers at school, parents are asked to fill out a survey about the language spoken at home. Students who speak another language at home are then screened by the ELL teacher.
How does the ELL teacher screen students? The ELL teacher gives the student a language proficiency test, and she also also reviews his or her school records. This information helps her to make an appropriate placement.
How do I know if my child is making progress in English? You will know from classroom grades, standardized testing, and parent-teacher conferences.
Where are the ELL programs located? ELL is offered at every school in the district.
How will I communicate with teachers and school officials if I don’t speak English? The school will provide interpreters to facilitate parent-teacher communication. The district also provides access to a Language Line and translates documents.
