English Language Learners (ELL)

Students whose first language or primary language is not English may be eligible for ELL services. 

If your family speaks a language in addition to English at home, your child may qualify for support. English Language Specialist Teachers work with students to assess their English language proficiency and determine the level of support that will best meet their needs. 

If you have questions about your child’s language development or feel they may benefit from additional support, please speak with your child’s classroom teacher or school administration team.

ELL support is designed to help students develop both social and academic English while participating fully in classroom learning. 

Support may include: 

• • Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. 

• • Vocabulary and language instruction for everyday communication. 

• • Academic language support across subject areas. 

• • Strategies to help students engage with classroom learning. 

• • Individualized and targeted instruction based on language proficiency. 

• • Collaboration between classroom teachers and ELL specialists to support student success. 

ELL teachers help students by: 

• • Explaining concepts clearly and providing visual supports. 

• • Teaching new vocabulary and language structures. 

• • Providing opportunities to practice speaking and listening. 

• • Supporting study skills and learning strategies. 

• • Creating inclusive and welcoming learning environments. 

Learning a new language is a gradual process that develops over several years. Every student progresses at their own pace, and many factors influence language acquisition, including: 

• • Age when learning English begins. 

• • Previous educational experiences. 

• • Strength of the first language. 

• • Exposure to English in and outside of school. 

• • Individual learning strengths and interests. 

Students are continuously assessed so that support can be adjusted as their language skills grow. 

Families are encouraged to continue using and developing their home language. 

Research shows that students who maintain strong skills in their first language often develop stronger vocabulary, literacy, and academic skills in English. Home languages play an important role in identity, family connection, and long-term academic success. 

Families play an essential role in language development. You can support your child by: 

• • Talking together about a variety of topics in your home language and/or English. 

• • Reading regularly and discussing books, stories, and current events. 

• • Participating in school activities and events. 

• • Connecting with community resources such as libraries and recreation programs. 

• • Encouraging and celebrating progress throughout your child’s language learning journey.   

ELL Specialists work alongside classroom teachers to support student learning. During reporting periods, families receive information about their child’s English language development and progress. 

West Vancouver Schools uses the BC English Language Learning Standards to describe and assess language proficiency in: 

• • Reading and Viewing 

• • Writing and Representing 

• • Listening and Speaking 

The BC English Language Learning Standards provide a common framework for understanding language development from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The standards support educators in planning instruction, assessing progress, and identifying appropriate supports for students learning English. 

The standards describe language proficiency along a continuum from Beginning to Bridging: 

ELL Standards for Kindergarten 

ELL Standards for Primary (Grade 1-3) 

ELL Standards for Intermediate (Grade 4-7) 

ELL Standards for Secondary (Grade 8-12) 

• BC English Language Learning Standards 

• ELL Family Brochure (make a link from the current clickable image) 

For more information about English Language Learning services in West Vancouver Schools, please contact: info@wvschools.ca