english-language-learners
Languages Enrich Lives
1 John 4:5 "They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them."
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board welcomes and embraces the rich cultural and linguistic diversity that our English Language Learners bring to our school communities. Students are encouraged to maintain their cultural and linguistic traditions by speaking, reading and writing in their home language(s). Continued literacy development in first languages strengthens second language acquisition.
Supporting English Language Acquisition
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board offers support to students whose first language is a language other than English or is a variety of English significantly different from that used for instruction in Ontario schools.
English Language Learners (ELLs) include…
Source: STEP- A Guide for Users, pg. 7
Language Proficiency Assessment in Schools
STEP or Steps to English Proficiency:
- STEP is a Ministry resource used by Dufferin-Peel to track the English proficiency of our ELLs.
- STEP levels are NOT USED to determine report card grades. (STEP – A Guide for Users, pgs. 10 & 25).
Click for more information regarding the STEP assessment.
Source
English Language Acquisition Programs and Services:
ESL Programs
- WHO? ESL Programs are for English language learners (ELLs) in Kindergarten to Grade 12 who have age-appropriate literacy skills in their first language.
- HOW? ESL/ELD teachers and classroom teachers work collaboratively to determine the English proficiency of ELLs by identifying observable language behaviours described in the oral, reading and writing continua of the ESL STEP assessment.
- IMPORTANT: STEP levels are NOT USED to determine report card grades.
ELD Programs
- WHO? English language learners (ELLs) in Grades 3-12. These students have had limited prior schooling. As a result, they are currently developing age-appropriate literacy skills.
- HOW? ESL/ELD teachers and classroom teachers work collaboratively to determine the observable language and literacy behaviours of students as described in the oral, reading and writing continua of the ELD STEP assessment. The ESL/ELD teacher and classroom teachers support the development of learning skills by explicitly teaching and monitoring the skills noted on the Orientation to School Life in Ontario continuum.
- WHY? Results of the STEP assessment are used to inform instructional practices, determine program adaptations and close gaps in students' prior knowledge.
- IMPORTANT: STEP levels are NOT USED to determine report card grades.
Program Adaptations for English Language Learners
Adapted from Growing Success, pg. 76-78
Elementary Support Models:
Based on the results of individual STEP assessments, the ESL/ELD teacher and classroom teacher will determine the support model that best meets the language learning and academic needs of each English Language Learner (ELL). These models may include:
Secondary Support Models:
Based on the results of individual STEP assessments, the ESL/ELD teacher and classroom teacher will determine the support model that best meets the language learning and academic needs of each English language learner (ELL). These models may include:
Settlement Services
Settlement Service Workers:
DPCDSB offers settlement services in all schools across the Board. Settlement services include, but are not limited to:
- Information for newcomer families about everyday matters faced by immigrants;
- Supporting ESL/ELD staff in organizing extra-curricular activities for their students;
- Supporting school events such as Parent-Teacher Interviews, Kindergarten Registration, Open Houses, and multicultural/diversity celebrations;
- Organizing workshops for the parents on topics of interest to the community, i.e. obtaining an Ontario driver's license, filing tax forms, applying for Child Tax Benefit, options for before and after school care in the community, support for students struggling with homework, etc.
- Supporting school staff with creating a welcoming community in the school.
For information regarding the Settlement Support at your school, please contact Joanna Kubica, Student Settlement Services Supervisor.
New to Canada?
For more information, visit the
Newcomer Reception & Assessment Centre
English as a Second Language for Adults
For more information on these programs, visit Adult Education: ESL and Citizenship
Language Learning
Any questions about ESL and ELD Programs and Services can be directed to the ESL/ELD Consultant for the Dufferin-Peel CDSB. If you have questions about ESL Adult Programs, please call 905-891-9263 ext. 37953.