English Language Learner (ELL) Services

Roy Martin Middle School ELL Program

At the secondary level the Sheltered Content Model is recommended.

Many teachers and administrators in the district have received intensive training in High Quality Sheltered Instruction (HQSI) strategies and techniques using the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) components. The eight components that comprise this best practice ESL instruction are beneficial to the English Language Development of ELL students.

Sheltered Content ESL Instruction

The Sheltered Content ESL Instruction Model is an integrated content language approach. The goal of the Sheltered Content Instruction Model is for ELL students to develop English language skills in content classes. Secondary ELL students have a limited time to become academically proficient in English. Therefore, they must learn both English and academic content as quickly as possible. English is taught through content areas by including a strong language development component. The purpose of the language development component is to teach English language learners to communicate (listen, speak, read, and write) in English. This component takes into account the ELL student’s current English language proficiency level and guides the teacher in providing the appropriate instruction for each level. This model is implemented at the secondary level in both self-contained and integrated classrooms. A self-contained classroom consists of only ELL students grouped together for instruction. An integrated classroom consists of students who need ELL services and native English speakers. At the high school level, this model also allows students to earn credit toward graduation in required core subject areas. Emphasis is on cooperative learning, hands-on activities, visuals, demonstrations, modeling and sheltered vocabulary.