ELL Learners
“British Columbia is a diverse society; people from all parts of the globe contribute to the social, cultural and linguistic fabric of our Province. This diversity is mirrored in our schools’ population, both in the contributions made and in the unique needs which must be met in order to achieve the purpose of the education system.” (ELL Policy Framework, Ministry of Education)
Our English as a Second Language (ELL) Program is designed to assist students in becoming proficient in English, concurrently with academic and cultural development. The objective of the program is integration into the mainstream school program as soon as feasible in order to achieve the learning outcomes of the provincial curriculum. Based on assessed needs, adaptations may be implemented to address the unique learning needs of these students.
Delta provides a range of support for students whose primary language is other than English and therefore require additional services to develop their potential.
As with all children, ELL students vary substantially in their educational and language needs. Factors that impact their needs include: proficiency in their first language, prior exposure to English, school history, age, previous language experiences, curriculum demands, cultural and emotional context, etc.
ELL students follow provincial curriculum. To graduate, all students must meet the provincial Graduation requirements, however, schools may adapt instruction and assessment to give students the greatest opportunities to achieve the learning outcomes.
ELL Services Available
Language Enhancement Program
Language Enhancement is a full day kindergarten program which focuses on providing children with extended opportunities for developing English literacy skills. It is designed for children of kindergarten age who would benefit from intensive language instruction to better enable them to begin the more formal Grade One Language Arts program. Emphasis is placed on development of oral language, both speaking and listening, and on early literacy skills of reading and writing. Students attend the regular English kindergarten program at their home school and in addition attend the Language Enhancement program.
Goals of the ELL Program
It is expected that students will:
- increase experiential knowledge of Canadian culture, values and beliefs
- develop and use appropriate English vocabulary and structures in academic and social settings
- demonstrate increasing competence in using conventions of English language
- use a variety of processes and strategies to generate and organize ideas and information
- enhance the precision, clarity, and artistry of communications
- develop skills and strategies to understand written and oral communication
- make connections between their own ideas, experiences, and knowledge and a variety of media forms and cultures
- draw reasoned conclusions from information found in various forms of communication and explain thinking
- develop ability to use English to explore thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences to prepare for their roles in the world
- develop ability to use English language to interact and collaborate with others
- develop ability to use English to help establish and maintain positive interactions with others
How To Access ELL Support
During the school year, students register at their home school.
For Kindergarten students, an appointment will be made for an initial language screening. This will be done by an ELL specialist . Results of this assessment will determine whether the child is eligible for the Language Enhancement Program.
In elementary school, children are placed in age-appropriate mainstream classes in that school, provided there is space available. The ELL teacher will do an initial language assessment and decisions will be made, in collaboration with the classroom teacher, about the amount and nature of the ELL support the student will receive.
Other Services
Multicultural workers provide interpretation for students, parents and schools. They also assist teachers in the areas of academic and cultural integration of ELL students. Please contact the office for more information.