English as a Second Language

Definition of an English Language Learner (ELL)

An English Language Learner (ELL) is a student whose native language is a language other than English and/or comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant.

An ELL is a student whose English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing causes difficulties that hinder the opportunity to learn successfully in the courses where English language is the dominant mode of communication.

English Language Learners

Children whose first language is a language other than English are identified using the Home Language Survey.  The HLS is sent to each family for each child enrolled in PALCS.  Students who have a language other than English spoken in the home are placed on a Preferred Home Language Other Than English or “PHLOTE” list.  These students are then scheduled for the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test or W-APT.  If possible the W-APT is given during the student’s enrollment appointment.  If this is not possible, the ESL teacher travels to a location that is convenient to the student/family being assessed.  Usually, the assessment is administered at a public library within a short distance from the home.  The W-APT is always administered within the first 30 days of school or within the first 15 days of school after initial enrollment if the child enrolls after the first day of school.  A description of the ESL program at PALCS follows.

Goals of the Program

• Create a well-defined sequential English as a Second Language (ESL) program for English language learners that will encourage and facilitate the language acquisition necessary for them to achieve success and meet or exceed the Pennsylvania academic standards for reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• Assist all students in content areas while they are learning English, so these students can remain at grade level or make progress towards grade level competency in content areas.
• Mainstream students into regular curricula as soon as they can successfully learn like native English speakers.
• Periodically evaluate the progress of ELLs through assessments, teacher feedback and classroom performance.
• Monitor the progress of ELLs after exiting the ESL program to determine if additional alternative language instruction is needed and to provide content area remediation when necessary.

Student Identification

Step 1: Home Language Survey: PALCS will determine the English language proficiency level for any student whose primary language is a language other than English (PHLOTE).

Step 2: Language Proficiency Assessment:  The WIDA ACCESS Placement Test is given to determine the student’s level of English proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.

Step 3: Level of Service: According to their language proficiency needs, students will receive direct ESL instruction, language support services, and will be monitored for academic difficulties.

Please contact Dr. Joyce Good, Director of Academics with any questions at 610-701-3333 x1112 or via email at jgood@palcs.org
You may also contact our ESL lead teacher Leigh Anne Gatto at 610-701-3333 x1079 or via email at lgatto@palcs.org