This document defines key terms related to English language learners (ELLs). It explains that an ELL is a student whose native language is not English and who is acquiring English. Several programs for educating ELLs are described, including bilingual education, immersion, sheltered English, and different types of bilingual and English as a second language programs. The goals and characteristics of dual language education, developmental bilingual education, transitional bilingual education, structured immersion, ESL pullout, and immersion programs are summarized.

1. WHAT IS AN ELL?A Dictionary of Terms For TeachersTeresa FurukawaCSE 623, Summer 2010

2. Why?This is not an exhaustive dictionary of terms, but an attempt to combine like terms and give working definitions for teachers who are just starting their ESOL journey.Not sure what they are talking about?

3. Who?ELL – English Language Learner This is the ‘student’ although it may in general refer to any person whose native language is not English but who is acquiring English.CLD – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse This is a newer name for an ELL but also encompasses the understanding that many students from other cultures or cultural sub-groups can also need specialized instruction in English.LEP- Limited English Proficient An older term for ELL but also referring to a student’s level of English language acquisition

4. What?ESL – English as a Second Language : describe a wide variety of programs/methods used to educate students whose native/primary language is not English.ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages L1 – First or Primary Language: the native language of the studentL2- Second language: second language (often English) and usually the one that is being acquired

5. Bilingual education- An in-school program for students whose first language is not English or who have limited English skills. Bilingual education provides English language development plus subject area instruction in the student's native language. The goal is for the child to gain knowledge and be literate in two languages. (Ed Source)Immersion- A program that teaches children to speak, read, and write in a second language by surrounding them with conversation and instruction in that language. Fluent English Proficient (FEP)A designation that means that a student is no longer considered as part of the school's English learner population. It refers to students who have learned English. (Ed Source)

6. sheltered EnglishAn instructional approach in which classes are composed entirely of students learning English. Students are taught using methods that make academic instruction in English understandable. In some schools, students may be clustered in a mainstream classroom. Examples include: GLAD, SIOP (to be defined in the next edition )

7. Types of ProgramsDual Language Education: aka Two-Way Bilingual, Dual Immersion, Two-Way ImmersionGoal: bilingualism and bi-literacy of all students (read/write/speak in both languages)Type of instruction: all students taught literacy and subjects in both languages by immersion 90/10 model – 90% L1/10% L2 in early grade50/50 model– 50% in each language in older gradesLength of program: 5-6 yearsExample: Grant School in Salem, OR

8. Developmental Bilingual Education:Aka Gradual Exit or Late ExitGoal: bilingualism and bi-literacy of all students (read/write/speak in both languages)Type of Instruction: Initial literacy/subject instruction in L1, daily ESL instruction with gradual increase in the amount of literacy/subject instruction in English 90% L1 in k-1 gradually decreasing to 50% or less by grade 4Length of program: 5-6 years, with continued instruction in L1 after exit.Transitional Bilingual Education: Aka Early ExitGoal: Assimilate ELL students, L2 acquisition without falling behind academicallyType of Instruction: Initial literacy/subject instruction in L1, daily ESL instruction, rapid increase in the amount of literacy/subject instruction in English 10-50% L1, 50-90% in EnglishLength of Program: 2-4 years, students exit when English proficient.

9. Structured Immersion: Aka Sheltered English, Content Based ESLGoal: Assimilate ELLs, quick exit to mainstream classroomType of instruction: sheltered subject matter instruction (immersion) at student’s level of English. 90-100% in English, may include L1 for clarification. Length of program: 1-3 yearsCurrent Salem-Keizer modelESL Pullout:Aka Immersion plus ESLGoal: assimilate ELLs, remedial EnglishType of Instruction: Mainstream instruction, ELLs pulled out for 30-45 minutes of daily ESL 90-100% English, may include some L1 supportLength of Program: as needed

10. Immersion:Aka Sink or SwimGoal: assimilate ELLs into English-dominant societyType of Instruction: Mainstream instruction, no special help with English, 100% EnglishLength of Program: n/a

11. SourcesEducating English learners : language diversity in the classroom by James Crawfordhttp://www.schoolwisepress.com/smart/dict/dict3.html