The Shakopee Public Schools EL Program is is a sequenced program of instruction designed for students who are not native speakers of English. EL services focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing academic English. Language is learned in a content based instructional programs. English Learners (EL) will be successful in school and in life as a result of high quality instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking English.
Services are also intended to familiarize students with American culture and the expectations for students in an American public school. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to transition students successfully into English-only instruction. Advancement in the EL program is based on student performance.
Why do we have an EL program?
Federal and state laws require that public schools provide instruction in English when language is a barrier to education.
How do teachers teach EL?
EL teachers teach only in English. EL teachers use a variety of best practice strategies to help students to become proficient in the English language. EL teachers use simplified English, gestures, pictures, songs, role-play, and other techniques to help students build basic English speaking skills. EL teachers combine literacy, regular classroom content, and second language teaching methods to support students learning to read and write in English. EL teachers use a variety of service models to instruct the students. For example, EL students may receive EL services in a pull-out, push-in, co-teaching or a combination of each model.
How long does it take a student to learn English?
Learning English is influenced by many factors, but studies show that it takes a minimum of 5-7 years of high quality instruction for students to become proficient in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English.
Do you have a question about our English Learner program?
Please Email:
msummer@shakopee.k12.mn.us
