Frequently Asked Questions

What does the CCPS ESOL Program look like?

Cecil County Public Schools services more than 100 speakers of 23 different languages, who represent 14 different countries.

Who qualifies for ESOL services?

• In order to qualify for ESOL services, a student must be enrolled in CCPS.
• At registration, all parents complete a Home Language Survey.
• Surveys of parents who indicate that their child does not speak English are forwarded to the ESOL Program Facilitator and/or to the ESOL teacher assigned to the building.
• The ESOL Program Facilitator contacts the ESOL teacher for the school. The ESOL teacher for the school will contact the parents, arrange a conference, and administer a standardized language assessment test to determine English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
• The ESOL teacher informs the parents and the child’s teachers of the test results.
• If the child qualifies for ESOL Services, the parent is asked to sign a permission form, so that the student may be formally admitted into the ESOL Program and receive appropriate services.

To what services are English Language Learners (ELLs) entitled?

ELLs are entitled to all services to which other students are entitled under the law. In addition, they are entitled to receive services to meet their language learning needs.

How can I help the English Language Learner  in my classroom?

Contact the ESOL teacher who is assigned to your building, or working with your English Language Learner (ELL). Read and refer to your HELP Handbook  (available from the ESOL teacher). You may want to request a mutually agreeable time to meet and collaborate.  Many teachers immediately assign a "buddy" to the ELL to help him get to know the classroom and school routines. Use plenty of visuals, such as drawings and gestures, to help communicate meaning and make English comprehensible to your ELL. Use "yes/no" questions when addressing the ELL. Remember that the ELL is immersed in a completely new language environment, and might not attend to all of the activities in the classroom in the beginning, but as routines become familiar, you and your ELL will find meaningful activities that work for both of you.

 

What other services are provided for English Language Learners (ELLs), their teachers, and their families?

• Conferences with parents and teachers with the aid of an interpreter
• Home visits upon request or in time of need
• Bilingual/ESL Resource Library at Central Media Services
• Workshops providing strategies and models for English instruction
• Consultations with school personnel regarding cultural diversity