ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER PROGRAM

Background

The District provides English Language Learner (ELL) services to those students who do not have a communicative and/or an academic working knowledge of the English language.  The District provides staff, facilities, and resources, including accessing a variety of multilingual interpreters, to meet the needs of ELL learners in the neighbourhood schools. 

Procedures

1. The initial and continuing assessments are conducted by ELL teachers.
   1. ELL students have the same access as other students to school programs and resources, counsellors’ services for timetabling and programming, as well as access to specialists and specialized programming opportunities.
2. District staff will monitor the need for specific ELL programs and will facilitate the creation of such programs to meet the unique needs of some ELL learners.
3. Enrolment of English Language Learner (ELL) Students
   1. All foreign-born students, five to 18 years old, who have one of the following documents must register following District processes:
      1. Landed Immigrant document,
      2. Student Authorization document (when accompanying the holder of an Employment Authorization or a Canadian citizen),
      3. Student Authorization document (when accompanying a Refugee Claimant),
      4. Ministerial Permit,
      5. Diplomatic Passport,
      6. Letter of No Objection.
   2. ELL students who were born in Canada but who then left and started their schooling in a country where English is not necessarily the medium of instruction also need to register following District processes.
4. Age and Grade Qualifications
   1. Students who have completed Grade 12 or its equivalent are not eligible for further education in the secondary schools in the District.
   2. Students who have not completed Grade 12 or its equivalent but who have attained the age of 19 years on or before June 30 shall be directed to an adult learning centre or institution.