English as a Second Language

Who are English Language Learners?

• English Language Learners (ELLs) are students whose first language is a language other than standard Canadian English
• These students are newly arrived from other countries or Canadian-born
• They have diverse cultural backgrounds and school experiences

The 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 Schools
• 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

• Parent Resources
• Intercultural Services
• Information Handbill