English as a Second Language in Halton District School Board

English Language Learners

The ELL population in HDSB is increasing –  larger growth beginning 2008-2009

In Elementary we have 44 ESL elementary teachers some are stationary and others are itinerant teachers.

The program model is whole school approach – where ELLs attend their home school full time – teachers collaborate in accommodating and/or modifying program adaptations.Teachers also connect families with Youth Settlement Workers from our community partners Halton Multicultural Centre

HMC: Halton-Multicultural Council

In Secondary we have 6.5 FTE teachers with four ESL center high schools.

Congregated School Model   

• The number of students in local schools is not sufficient to sustain a full-service program for English language learners; learners are congregated in a magnet school, which serves students from the surrounding geographical area.
• The school contains an ESL and ELD department with qualified ESL and ELD teachers.
• The school offers a range of ESL and ELD credit courses.
• The school offers a range of other credit courses adapted to the needs of English language learners (e.g., geography, history, science, Civics, Career Studies).

Most students with special needs are in the regular classes

Elementary with IEPs: 2157

Secondary with IEPs: 2560

2. Definition of English Language Learners

1. Students who are Canadian born
2. Students who are newcomers from other countries
3. Students who are Canadian born or newcomers arrived from countries around the world

For the purposes of this policy, English language learners are students in provincially funded English language schools whose first language is a  language other than English, or is a variety of English that is significantly different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario’s schools, and  who may require focused educational supports to assist them in attaining proficiency in English.

These students may be Canadian born or recently arrived from other  countries. They come from diverse backgrounds and school experiences, and have a wide variety of strengths and needs.

1 . 2 . 1      Ca n a d i a n - b o r  n   E n g l i s h   L a n g u a g e   L e a r  n e r s

Many English language learners were born in Canada and raised in families

or communities in which languages other than English are spoken. They

may include, for example:

• Aboriginal students whose first language is a language other than English;

These students may be Canadian born or recently arrived from other  countries. They come from diverse backgrounds and school experiences, and have a wide variety of strengths and needs.

• Children who were born in communities that have maintained a distinct  cultural and linguistic tradition, who have a first language that is not English, and who attend English language schools;

and

• Children who were born in immigrant communities in which languages other than English are primarily spoken

  Newc ome r s   F rom Ot h e r  Co u n t r i e s

Newcomers arrive from countries around the world at various stages in their educational careers. They may arrive in their pre-school years or at  any point between Kindergarten and Grade 12. They may arrive at the beginning of the school year or at any time during the school year

ESL/ELD Ministry and Policy Documents

English Language Learners ESL and ELD Programs and Services Policies and Procedures for Ontario Elementary and Secondary Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12

Supporting English Language Learners in Kindergarten A practical guide for Ontario educators

Supporting English Language Learners a practical guide for educators grade 1-8

Supporting English Language Learners with Limited Prior Schooling a practical guide for Ontario educators grades 3 to 12

The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12 English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development 2007