English as a Second Language
Frequently
Asked Questions | Ways to Help Your ESL Child
The ESL (English as a Second Language) Program consists of one teacher
at Ikego Elementary School. The Department of Defense Education Activity
(DoDEA) provides this program for students whose native language in not
English. The goal of this program is to develop students' English language
ability as quickly as possible so that the student's academic performance is equivalent
to native English speaking students of the same age and grade level. The
program serves both students who are beginning to learn English as well
as those that already developed a good command of spoken English but are
performing below grade level in reading and writing.
Q: How long will my child be an ESL student?
A: This depends on the child's English ability upon entering the ESL program and the amount of progress that is made. The process can take from one to several years.
Q: How many students are there in an ESL class?
A: We try to keep the classes to a maximum of six students.
Q: How do you identify my child as an ESL student?
A: To identify ESL students, we first ask the parents to fill out the Home Language survey which asks three key questions. First, does an adult in the household speak a language other than English at home? Second, does the child you are registering speak a language other than English at home? Third, what was the first language your child learned? If you answered "yes" to either question one or two, your child is automatically screened for ESL. Also, on question three, if the child's first language was any other language besides English, then the child must be tested. Students are then given the IPT (Idea Proficiency Test). Depending on the results of the IPT, a child may be placed in ESL levels one through four or not put into the program. If your child qualifies, you will be notified and the ESL teacher will recommend one of the four levels. Also, every May, all ESL students are given an annual assessment to determine their progress. Finally, ESL students will remain in the program until they meet exit requirements. After exiting the program, students are monitored for one year. If necessary, students can reenter the program. A classroom teacher can also request testing if they believe a child has second language issues.
Q: Whom do I contact?
A: You may call Ikego Elementary School at 246-8320. We will be notified of your call and get back with you as soon as possible. We are also available for appointments.
Q: Why do children have to be tested when their only language is English?
A: If you answered the Home Language Survey that you the parent speak another language at home, then we must screen the child to see if that second language spoken at home is interfering with English, his or her first language. A young child tends to record many parts of language and it is possible to record a second language and not actively speak it. For example, your child might understand what you say in a second language but just not speak it.
Q: Should a parent speak another language at home besides English if English is not his/her first language and they are able to communicate in English?
A: In most cases, it may be best to speak to the child in the first language or both languages if the parents speak both English and a second language. In many cases the mother speaks the first language and is with the children most of the time especially if the father is deployed. In this situation it is recommended that the child would benefit by continuing to use the first language(ie. Japanese, Tagalog, etc.) so the child develops that language. It is then easier for the child to transfer this knowledge from one language to another.
Take time out to read and talk to your child everyday. It might be beneficial to schedule a time for reading that can be negotiated with the child but treat it like a firm commitment.
Talk about your child's interest such as movies, television shows, and activities at school. Depending on your child's ESL level, these activities can help expand vocabulary and analytical thinking.
Be aware of your child's specific language weaknesses by getting feedback from the ESL and classroom teacher and focus on those skills when working with them.
Take your child to the library and let your child pick out books that he or she want to read. We want to instill in children a love for reading.