As an administrator in your school there are many things to think about, especially when it comes to the ELL students attending your school. Administering and making decisions about ELL programs can be particularly challenging in schools where:
there are ELLs from diverse backgrounds and statuses
there are many language groups represented
there is a rapid influx of learners who have settled into a community that may not be accustomed to ethnic and linguistic diversity
there is an ELL population that constitutes a large portion of the overall student body
there is an ELL population that constitutes a small but growing portion of the overall student body
Proposal to Administration Advocation for ELL Students
My first suggestion is to create a more consistent and time effective way to support the ELL students. The ESL Learners: A Guide for ESL Specialists describes that combining the teacher and the ESL Specialist to Co-teach would be the ultimate ideal experience for students. Co-teaching requires a high level of interdependence but it’s potential to enhance learning is worthwhile. I feel that it would be more valuable for the ELL teacher to come to the classroom and provide in class support for students, rather than pull out.
Secondly, at our school, we presently use the Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (LPAT) score and their ELL test score from kindergarten to determine if a child will need additional support in Grade 1. These tests coincide with the test suggested for the assessment and identification of ELL students as described in the English Language Learner Policy and Guidelines. This article also suggests to gather information in other areas such as previous schooling, basic language skills in academic areas, and proficiency in their first language. I agree with this article that we should be taking more into consideration when deciding if a student needs ELL support.
Lastly, I suggest that more professional development time is given to teachers to learn about ways to support ELL students in their class. Personally, in my class, 12/20 students are ELL. If I did not have the knowledge that I have attained from the ELL courses that I have been taking, I feel that I would not be able to support all these students. I still struggle with ideas and ways to adapt and care for these students. I sense that other teachers in our school are also feeling this way and would benefit from a workshop or presentation with some ideas of ways to support ELL students in the classroom.