About ELL
Children are growing up in a complex, highly competitive global economy
in which our total knowledge is doubling every few years. We exist in a
global society that requires extraordinary skills and talents as well as
a pace of life never before experienced in human history. Our multilingual
needs as a society are celebrated as our cultures are no longer separated
by bodies of water or land but only by the limits we place on the appreciation
of human diversity. “Reading, writing, and speaking English well are all
critical skills for living the American dream. Nineteen states have reported
an increase of more than 50 percent in English language learners over the
last three years-and that growth is expected to continue. America’s schools
need help.”
No Child Left Behind
To accommodate the growth in the number of second language learners coming
to Peoria, our district has strengthened its commitment to provide appropriate
learning environments and support services for second language learners
and their families. We hope you will find some useful tools here.
Identification of ELL Students
The state of Illinois requires that students new to District 150 complete a home language survey (HLS) in order to identify those students who may require ELL services. If a language other than English is indicated on the HLS, an assessment is given within 30 days of the student's enrollment. This assessment, known as the W-apt ACCESS Screener, determines a student's eligibility for ELL services. If a student is eligible for ELL services, the student will be placed in the appropriate program. Parents are required to be notified if their child is enrolled in a bilingual program.
Learn more about the HLS and ACCESS Screener (pdf)
To schedule an appointment for an ELL screening, contact Becky Lindholm at the Title I office.
Phone: 309.672.6754
Email: Rebecca.Lindholm@psd150.org
ELL Programs in District 150
Bilingual Programs
When 20 or more students share the same primary language (a language other than English), school districts are required to establish a Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE) or a Bilingual program. In a Bilingual program, the students' first language is the primary language used in order to promote success in the district's curriculum. The amont of English and native language used depends on a student's grade level and/or English language proficiency.
ESL Programs
When there are fewer than 20 students speaking a language other than English, school districts are required to establish a Transitional Program of Instruction, or an ESL program. In this program, the native language is only used to an extent.
The purpose of both Bilingual and ESL programs is to develop academic skills in English without delaying progress in meeting state standards.
Learn more about Bilingual and ESL programs (pdf)
WIDA Standards
English Language Proficiency Standards- WIDA
Click on the link to open a pdf.
Understanding the WIDA English Proficiency Standards - A Resource Guide 2007
Learning Standards in Pre-K through Grade 5 - 2007 Edition
Learning Standards in Grade 6 through Grade 12 - 2007 Edition
Resources for Teachers and Administrators
Illinois State Board of Education (ELL Division)
World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)