Robert Evans
ELL Consultant
evans.robert@sccresa.org
Michigan Department of Education resources
Resources for schools and for parents are posted at MDE home page for ELL and Bilingual Services.
What to Do with a New English Language Learner Brochure
Office of Civil Rights English Language Learners PPT
St. Clair County RESA EL Handbook
English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Homepage.
A one-page MDE reference document lists resources.
MDE flow chart explaining the process to support ELL students, beginning with admission screening
Alternative Language program Service Hours Chart
WIDA W-APT Screener
Michigan English Language Proficiency Standards:
English Language Proficiency Standards
RESA and ISD ELL resources
Macomb ISD website connecting to bilingual services.
Home Language Surveys translated into other Languages.
Teaching strategies for ELL students
Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators -Foreign Languages and ESL resources
Twenty simple strategies for addressing the needs of English Language Learners can be found in this article:
Teaching in the Middle: Emancipating the English Language Learner by Rick Wormeli
Why might a student who speaks English qualify for ESL?
Restating the timelines of language acquisition: In learning an additional language, students usually develop "everyday", interpersonal language first. This means that very shortly (research says within 6 months to 2 years generally) that a student will be able to speak proficiently. However, research says that some students with bilingual experiences may need additional time/supports to be at grade level in reading comprehension and writing in English. The time it takes for this is much longer than the time it takes to speak. Hence, in order to give bilingual/multi-lingual students every chance to be successful in an academic setting where everything is in English, the school offers additional supports such as ESL.