English Language Learners (ELL)

  • Who can receive EL services?
    EL services are provided to students for who English is not their first language and who achieve a qualifying score on the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA MODEL test. EL services cannot be provided to students who have listed English only on their home language questionnaire.
  • What are EL services?
    EL services is targeted instruction in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. The goal of EL services is to provide a student with the necessary academic language they need to be successful in a general education classroom. EL services are not Special Education.
  • Why choose EL services?
    English is a complex language that takes many years to master. Because academic instruction is provided only in English at ERA it is essential for students to have a deep understanding of the language. EL services provide students with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully use English in an academic setting. Academic language is not the same as social language. Students receiving EL services may have no problems communicating in English with their friends and family. However; academic English is used in the classroom and can take up to 7 years (sometimes longer) to fully master. Please note that EL services are FREE. There is no cost to you for your student to participate in EL services!
  • Who can qualify for services?
    Families whose students’ speak more than one language may qualify for EL services. When a family enrolls in a school in Minnesota they are given a home language questionnaire. If a language other than English is listed, students are eligible to be screened for EL  services. A short test is administered and depending on the score, students may or may not qualify for services. If a student qualifies for services, they are automatically enrolled in ERA’s EL services.
  • What do you do in EL?
    Students receiving EL services receive a wide variety of instruction and activities relating to reading, writing, speaking and listening. Lessons are aligned with the curriculum they are learning in their classroom, Core Knowledge standards, MN State Standards and WIDA Can Do Descriptors. Lessons are rich in academic language and rigorous tasks in order to promote high academic achievement. EL service models vary depending on students’ needs and goals. Please see the Types of Services page for more information.

Pull Out
In the Pull Out model, students temporarily leave their regular classroom to work with the EL teacher on a curriculum based lesson that has been adapted to meet their specific needs. This model is most commonly used in the lower school.
Push In
Push In support occurs when the EL teacher goes into a content area classroom and provides additional support to the EL students in a particular class. For example, the EL teacher may clarify directions, modify activities, provide additional context, etc. This is the most common service model in grades 6-12.
Co-Teaching
In the Co-Teaching model a classroom teacher and an EL teacher work together to provide instruction to students. Co-Teaching can include working in small groups, individual instruction, and other forms of support administered by either the EL teacher or the content teacher. Co-teaching is currently offered in 8th grade science and 7th grade English.
Sheltered Classroom
In this model, the EL teacher provides all instruction in a specific content area. All students in the class are EL students. This model is only offered in select subjects in grades K-5.
Accommodations

EL students have the right to various accommodations to support their success in the classroom, these include, but are not limited to shortened homework, visual supports, extended time on homework and tests, various testing accommodations, and more as outlined in the student’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP).

Each student enrolled in the English Learner program at Eagle Ridge Academy will receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). This document is created by the EL teacher and is given to the student, family, and classroom teachers. The ILP uses a student’s WIDA ACCESS score to determine what supports they should receive in their classes. A sample ILP can be found here.

  • Schools must identify English Learners using valid and reliable assessments.
  • Schools must provide English Language (EL) services to students who qualify for services.
  • EL services must be administered by a licensed professional.
  • EL Students are entitled to equitable access to all school curriculum, events, clubs, etc.
  • EL Students should not be segregated based on their EL status.
  • Parents may decline EL services at any time.
  • Parents are entitled to receive school communications in their preferred language.

Learn more at U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

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Cathleen LengvenisCathy Lengvenis
Grades K-5 EL Teacher

Email: clengvenis@eagleridgeacademy.org
Phone: 952-746-7760 x 1523

Mrs. Lengvenis graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in English. She received her EL license from the University of Minnesota. She loves helping students develop their academic language through the subjects of history and science.

Holly Strand
Grades 6-12 EL Teacher

Email: hstrand@eagleridgeacademy.org
Phone: 952-746-7760 x 1103

Mrs. Strand graduated in 2018 from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul, with a degree in K-12 English as a Second Language Education. She is passionate about representing and educating multilingual and multicultural students at Eagle Ridge Academy.