English Language Learners (ELL)
Introduction
For more than a decade, North Vancouver School District has undergone a period of rapid growth in the number of English Language Learners (ELL) requiring specialized service. This rapid growth has often called for immediate response to accelerating demand, instead of deep and thorough deliberation.
We have now entered a plateau period where rapid growth has levelled off, at least temporarily. With this levelling, the time for consolidation and re-examination of existing structures has arrived. Many of the structures currently in place are sound and, with some renovation, will be adequate for the future. Others will need to be refashioned.
The delivery model for ELL programs and services comes from two sources. They are:
- the Recommendations of the North Vancouver School District ELL Working Committee
- new documents from the Ministry of Education concerning ELL programming and instruction, including:
Why ELL services and programs are important Our School District values a diversity of educational programs to assure both equity and success for all learners. Equity and success for English Language Learners in our school system depend upon additional services from ELL Specialists, which address the needs of students in the following areas: Our ELL Philosophy embraces the following provincial Principles of Learning: It embraces all of the following District Values: It recognizes that:
- English as a Second Language Policy Framework
- English as a Second Language Policy Guidelines
- ESL Learners: A Guide for ESL Specialists
- ESL Learners: A Guide for Classroom Teachers
- English as a Second Language Standards.
- English language acquisition
- intellectual development
- cultural acclimatization (acculturation)
- social development and citizenship
- respect and self-worth Philosophy of ELL instruction.
- Learning requires the active participation of the student
- People learn in a variety of ways and at different rates
- Learning is both an individual and group process.
- the centrality of learning and teaching
- high standards of excellence and accountability
- success for all learners
- a diversity of educational programs
- community involvement
- collaboration and collegiality
- equity for all
- stability
- innovation and creativity
- democratic governance.
- all students are unique and valued
- all students deserve a safe, secure, welcoming learning environment that:
- respects individual differences
- accommodates individual learning needs
- works to eliminate racism
- values diversity in linguistic and cultural heritage
- all students need to be challenged at their own level
- all students have the right to strive toward their maximum potential and to experience success in their own way.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
To help newcomer students and their families settle into their school and community, North Vancouver School District has established a school-based outreach program called Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS). For more information about the Settlement Workers in Schools program, please see the SWIS information brochure:
and by clicking here.
Updated: September 13, 2012
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