English as a Second Language
English Language Learners
Who are English Language Learners?
English Language Learners (ELLs) are students whose first language is a language other than standard Canadian EnglishThese students are newly arrived from other countries or Canadian-bornThey have diverse cultural backgrounds and school experiencesThe Rate of Second Language Acquisition
Research shows that it can take between 5-7 years (and sometimes longer) to learn a new language proficiently. Please see Characteristics of ELLs for further information. Programming
Edmonton Catholic Schools supports all diverse learners within an inclusive classroom. Elementary (Grade K-6) and Secondary (Grade 7-12)The classroom teacher and the teacher responsible for ELLs collaborate in the planning, instruction and assessment of grade level curriculum. The classroom teacher provides targeted instruction specific to the needs of the student through differentiated instruction, either individually or in small groups, as needed. Teachers use a yearly assessment (Alberta Education K-12 ESL Proficiency Benchmarks) to guide student learning.Some secondary schools offer additional ESL programming. Please see Edmonton Catholic Guide to SchoolsEnglish Proficiency Benchmarks All identified ELLs are assessed yearly with the Alberta Education K-12 ESL Proficiency Benchmarks to determine their level of English in order to program for them in the inclusive classroom. Parent Resources
- EDUCATE - an online resource for parents and students

Please Call to Make an Appointment
One World…One Centre
12050-95A Street
780 944-2001