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English Language Learning Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ELL?
• An English Language Learner (ELL) is a student who lives in a home where a language other than English is spoken, and is determined to have limited English proficiency.
How do you get to be an ELL?
• All parents fill out a Home Language Survey when they register their children in any FUSD school. If the parent indicates that a language other than English is spoken in the home for other than academic or enrichment purposes, the students are tested to see if they are proficient in English. We use the state mandated Arizona English Language Learner Assessment or AZELLA. Students who are not proficient in English are ELL. ELLs are retested yearly to measure their progress.
What programs and services are available for English Language Learners?
The district offers these different ELL programs:
• Mainstream Classroom: The teacher gears instruction to meet the ELLs academic and language needs. All teachers have received SEI training.
• Structured English Immersion (SEI): The teacher helps ELLs understand what is being taught while increasing their English language skills. All schools offer this program, except for Puente de Hozho.
• Bilingual Education: Parents must request a parental waiver for their child to participate in a bilingual program. If the waiver is accepted, the student can participate in either of the following programs:
• Spanish/English Dual Language program (offered at Puente de Hozho and Killip School )
• Navajo Immersion program (offered at Puente de Hozho and Leupp Public School )
The goal of these programs is for students to become proficient speakers, readers, and writers in English and the other language (Spanish or Navajo).
What are the goals of the English Language Learner programs?
• We want ELLs to become proficient speakers, readers, and writers of English.
• We want to prepare ELLs to meet or exceed state academic standards. Teachers write a Language Acquisition Plan to help each ELL meet these goals.
Are English Language Learners eligible for other programs and services?
Absolutely! All students have equal opportunities to participate in all district programs. For example, some ELLs may qualify for the gifted program. Others may qualify for Special Education services.
Who can help?
• If you have general questions about our English Language Learner programs, you may call the district office at 527-6107.
• If you have specific questions about your child's ELL program, you may call the school and ask to speak to the ELL Specialist.
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