The English Language Learning program supports scholars whose English is still growing into an American curriculum. The distinction that matters: conversational fluency and academic language are different skills, and ELL is built around the second, the English that content-area classwork actually demands.
How English Language Learning works
Who ELL serves
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing support. English Language Learning serves scholars who need additional help in listening, speaking, reading, and/or writing English, often when English is a second or third language.
Academic language
Classroom success beyond conversational fluency. Some scholars sound fluent with their peers yet still need time to master the academic language of the content areas. Conversation and coursework are different skills; ELL targets the second.
Eligibility
MAP, teacher recommendations, and WIDA. Eligibility considers MAP Reading and/or Language Usage scores below the 35th percentile, teacher recommendations, and WIDA results below level 5 overall.
Duration
Exit at WIDA level 5 across all domains. Scholars exit ELL when they reach level 5 in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. ELL assistance is typically 1-4 years depending on effort, family practice, and entry English level.
Enrollment
ELL may be required and carries a semester fee. ELL may be a required condition of enrollment, and ELL services carry an additional semester fee based on the level of support.
ELL also sits inside AISJ's Learning Support services, alongside Individual Learning Plans, speech and language, and occupational and physical therapy.
