Algonquin Lakes Elementary
English Language Learner (ELL) Program Profile


Algonquin Lakes Elementary School is a K-5th grade school. The Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI) program at Algonquin Lakes serves the following populations: Mexican, Guatemalan, Honduran, Pole, Filipino, Indian, Turk, Pakistani, Ghanaian, Swazi, Korean and Vietnamese.

The TPI program accommodates students representative of the all-English language proficiency levels. Placement into each level is determined by scores on a variety of assessments: ACCESS for ELLs English Language Proficiency Test and the WIDA-ACCESS for ELLs Placement Test (W-APT), Literacy Assessment K-ISEL, Fountas and Pinnell reading level, Dolch Word List, Woodcock language test, and AIMSweb progress monitoring system. The English language proficiency levels are as follows:

Entering
• Pictorial or graphic representation of the language of the content areas.
• Words, phrases or chunks of language when presented with one-step commands, directions, WH-questions, or statement with visual and graphic support.
Beginning
• General language relate to the content areas.
• Phrases or short sentences.
• Oral or written language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that often impede the meaning of the communication when presented with one to multiple-step commands, directions, questions, or a series of statement with visual and graphic support.
Developing
• General and some specific language of the content areas.
• Expanded sentences in oral interaction or written paragraphs.
• Oral or written language with phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that may impede the communication but retain much of its meaning when presented with oral or written, narrative or expository descriptions with occasional visual and graphic support.
Expanding
• Specific and some technical language of the content areas.
• A variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in oral discourse or multiple, related paragraphs.
• Oral or written language with minimal phonological, syntactic, or semantic errors that do not impede the overall meaning of the communication when presented with oral or written connected discourse with occasional visual and graphic support.
Bridging
• The technical language of the content area.
• A variety of sentence lengths of varying linguistic complexity in extended oral or written discourse, including stories, essays, or reports.
• Oral or written language approaching comparability to that of English proficient peers when presented with grade level material.

Instructional Program for Algonquin Lakes TPI Students

• Primary K-2: Emphasis in language arts by developing vocabulary related to content areas, direct reading instruction, and Six Traits writing development. Assistance in math and other content areas as needed.

• Intermediate 3-5: Direct reading instruction, Progressive writing instruction, resource help in math and other content areas as needed, tutoring for newcomer students.

Transition to Mainstream Classes

Algonquin Lakes ELL students are placed in a general education classroom. They are pulled out for ELL service and also receive service in the general education classroom. In order to exit the TPI program the following criteria are observed:

• Only students who were tested in tier B/C of the ACCESS test should be recommended for exit.
• A minimum ACCESS score of 4.8 in reading and writing.

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Interventions for Struggling Students

Algonquin Lakes takes a proactive approach in identifying and servicing struggling students. The following are ways to help ELL students who are performing below other ELL students:

• Increased time with ELL teacher and paraprofessional.
• Native language support.
• Parent Volunteer Assistance.
• Intervention program recommended by Response to Intervention team.
• Extended-day learning opportunities.

Parent Involvement

There are several avenues for ELL students’ families to become involved in their students’ education. Every ELL parent is invited to attend a quarterly meeting of the district Parent Advisory Committee. The Algonquin Lakes Open House is held in September so that students can meet the teachers and view the curriculum. In addition, the school holds teacher/parent conferences in November. Algonquin Lakes has a very active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The following are activities for parent involvement:

• Literacy Nights/Book Fair
• PTO Fun Fair
• Daddy-Daughter Dance
• Mother-Son Night
• Art appreciation
• Grade level musicals-one per year per grade level
• Classroom volunteers
• Academic fair

Extracurricular Activities

The Ell students are involved in many activities provided by the following extracurricular program:

• Mad science
• Book club
• Circle of Friends after school day care
• Girl Scouts
• Boy Scouts
• Soccer
• Running Club
• Actors' Club
• Young Rembrandts