ELL

ENGLISH LEARNERS AT LAKELAND

LAKELAND SCHOOL CORPORATION'S VISION FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS:
The overall goal of Lakeland’s EL program is to support all EL students as they work toward proficient literacy in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening in the English language.

WHAT IS AN ENGLISH LEARNER?
Simply put, an English Learner (EL) student is one who learned a language other than English first. Every year at Lakeland School Corporation, the number of students who fit into this category grows. Ten years ago, 12% of Lakeland’s student population fit into this category, and that percentage has now grown to nearly 25%.

WHY DOES LAKELAND BELIEVE INSTRUCTION FOR EL STUDENTS IS IMPORTANT?
The objective of Lakeland’s EL program is to effectively guide our EL students, from a variety of cultural and language backgrounds, to a level of understanding of the English language that allows them to successfully communicate using English, both orally and through writing. The objective is never to replace their first language, but to honor each cultural heritage represented, while giving them the necessary tools to become proficient in another language. Having the ability to use English correctly often opens doors of opportunity which may have been inaccessible without this skill.

WHAT DOES EL INSTRUCTION LOOK LIKE AT LAKELAND?
EL instruction at Lakeland looks a little different in each building; however, every building has an EL certified teacher, as well as an EL paraprofessional (an assistant teacher). Furthermore, all teachers at Lakeland School Corporation are required to attend multiple professional development sessions where they are taught strategies to best service the EL students within their classes.

Junior/Senior High
Junior/Senior High At the high school level, EL students receive the mandatory English credits toward their diplomas by taking an English class designed specifically for English Learners. Additionally, both junior and senior high EL students are given the opportunity to take assessments, work on assignments and receive additional assistance under the guidance of EL staff. Teachers in every subject area have gone above and beyond to make sure the material they present can be absorbed by every student in their classes. New apps and strategies have been implemented to make the learning experience more productive and less stressful for EL students.
Questions? Contact: spriestley@lakelandlakers.net

Lakeland Intermediate School
At Lakeland Intermediate School, EL students are pulled out of their regular classes for 30 minute sessions every day with the EL teacher and assistant; additionally, students have the opportunity to work on assessments throughout the week with the assistance of EL staff. The teachers at LIS work exceptionally hard to accommodate and modify their materials to meet the needs of their EL students. Teachers have also worked diligently to implement the use of amazing apps that greatly improve the ability to communicate effectively with EL students who don’t yet understand English.
Questions? Contact: vnoningo@lakelandlakers.net

Lakeland Primary School
Lakeland Primary School EL students are immersed in English from Kindergarten and beyond, but are supported by their teachers who make any and all necessary accommodations and modifications to encourage learning in all subject areas. Since most students just beginning their educational journey cannot read or write in their native languages, teachers at the primary school often use technology to assist in the communication process until students are able to understand English. Besides the intentional instruction that occurs in each classroom, students also spend time, daily, with individualized instruction from the EL teacher and assistant.
Questions? Contact: kolivares@lakelandlakers.net

LINKS TO ENGLISH LEARNER RESOURCES: