EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES – English Language Learning
Abbotsford Christian School believes that all students, regardless of their physical, academic, social and emotional needs, have an essential role to play in the school community. They are all to be valued as members of the Body of Christ. On the basis of this belief, an inclusive model of education has been set up whereby all students are educated with their same-aged peers in regular classrooms as much as possible. Educational Support Services have been established to assist teachers in providing appropriate inclusive education for students with differing needs.
The ELL program supports students who are learning English as a new language. Students in this program are serviced by classroom teachers, an ELL teacher, an ELL coordinator and the International Program coordinator. Occasionally, educational assistants may be involved. Staffing levels are determined by need. Students who require ELL services and are not international students are usually expected to pay for ELL services.
An inclusive school seeks to support the learning of students who are learning the English language in their age-peer classes to the greatest extent possible. This goal is achieved through support in the classroom, a pull-out program during the school day to support the classroom curriculum learning, and an after-school program to develop and strengthen English language competencies. Levels of support are based on the needs of the students.
ELL is mandatory for all ELL students; the amount of time is based on the school’s assessment. Students may be exempted from this program based on assessment results and the classroom and ELL teachers’ recommendations. This exemption is revisited each year during the first month of school to make sure that the student will be able to work at the appropriate standard in the next grade.
For more information please contact the ELL Coordinator
Teresa Seo
tseo@abbotsfordchristian.com
(604) 755-8113