Who are English Language Learners?
- English Language Learners (EALs) are students whose first language is a language other than standard Canadian English
- These students are newly arrived from other countries or Canadian-born
- They have diverse cultural backgrounds and school experiences
The Rate of Second Language Acquisition
- Research shows that it can take between 5-7 years (and sometimes longer) to learn a new language proficiently. Please see Characteristics of EALs for further information.
Programming
- Edmonton Catholic Schools supports all diverse learners within an inclusive classroom.
- Elementary (Grade K-6) and Secondary (Grade 7-12)
- The classroom teacher and the teacher responsible for ELLs collaborate in the planning, instruction and assessment of grade level curriculum.
- The classroom teacher provides targeted instruction specific to the needs of the student through differentiated instruction, either individually or in small groups, as needed.
- Teachers use a yearly assessment (Alberta Education K-12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks) to guide student learning.
- Some secondary schools offer additional ESL programming.
- All identified EALs are assessed yearly with the Alberta Education K-12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks to determine their level of English in order to program for them in the inclusive classroom.
Parent Resources
Please Call to Make an Appointment
One World…One Centre
780 441-6060