English Language Learners

English Learner Program encompasses a few different approaches depending on the student population need within the district. Programs are; Dual, TBE, and ESL. Kaneland currently implements the ESL or English as a Second Language Program. With instruction in English, students in preschool are provided sheltered instruction by an ESL certified teacher, kindergarten through 5th grade are provided small group supports by an ESL certified teacher, that encourages use of the English language in all four domains through various activities and tasks. Middle school and high school have supports embedded in their content classes, with collaboration between the ESL certified staff and general education teachers. Kaneland has over 100 ESL students with over 18 different languages represented in the district.

Student qualify by completing a screener assessment (upon indication through the home language survey completed at registration, that another language is spoken at home). The screener assesses 4 language domains; listening, reading, speaking and writing. If a student receives an overall score of a 4.5 or below they qualify. If they receive an overall score of 5.0 they do not qualify. Parents and Guardians have the right to visit the sites ro observe services, have conferences with the ESL certified staff, and determine if they wish or do not wish to have their student enrolled. Declining of the program services requires a letter indicating refusal with parent/guardian signature sent to the ESL teacher and/or coordinator.

English Learners (grades K-12) are assessed annually for English proficiency growth and academic progress with a state wide assessment called ACCESS. The ACCESS test is used to assess English language proficiency in the four targeted domains, while other state test such as IAR, is used to assess academic achievement in English.

It typically takes between 5-7 academic years to learn another language (Collier, V.P, & Thomas, W.P, 1997). Although, it is important to note that every child is different. It can take five years or less for students with a strong foundation in their native language to learn another language and up to nine years or more for students who do not possess a strong understanding of their native language.

Sociocultural, linguistic, academic, and cognitive processes, are four major components that drive language acquisition. These processes should occur simultaneously in a supportive culturally responsive environment and with both their first language ( if the need is present)and their second language, to enhance student learning (Collier, V.P, & Thomas, W.P, 2007). The scope of Kaneland’s EL Program aims to adhere to these four principles.