Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is ESL?
- Why is my child in ESL?
- What is enough progress?
- How long does it take for a child to exit a program?
- What if I don't want my child receiving ESL services?
- How much time do the students spend in ESL?
What is ESL?
ESL is a program that teaches students who learned a language
other than English as their first language.
Why is my child in ESL?
During registration at any Illinois school, parents are given a
Language survey. On this survey, it asks if there is another
language spoken at home or if the child speaks another language.
If you mark yes to either of those questions, then we screen the
students, listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities in
English. Their scores determine if they need ESL services or
not. Because the state keeps records of the progress of every
student in Illinois, they are tested every January to measure
progress and to see if enough has been made. If so, they no
longer receive ESL services, or exit the program. If not, they
continue in the program until enough progress has been made.
What is enough progress?
The state requires the students to get a 4.8 composite score and
a 4.2 in literacy. This is a score out of a total of 6.0.
How long does it take for a child to exit a program?
Most students become completely fluent in a language within 5 to
7 years. It is harder to learn academic language than it is to
learn everyday speaking language.
What if I don't want my child receiving ESL services?
If you do not want your child in the program, all you have to do
is write a letter requesting the student to be removed from the
program. Sign and date the letter and turn it into the office.
How much time do the students spend in ESL?
If the students are in ESL they are with the ESL teacher for 30
minutes a day to work on listening, speaking, reading, and
writing.
If they are in Bilingual, they will receive all of their reading
instruction from the ESL/Bilingual teacher for 1.5 hours.