Welcome to our English Language Learners (ELL) Program page! Our school board is committed to providing comprehensive support to students who are learning English as an additional language. Here, you’ll find information about our program, including definitions, support models, and course offerings. 

Definitions 

English Language Learners (ELL): According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, English language learners* are students in provincially funded English language schools whose first language is a language other than English, or is a variety of English that is significantly different from the variety used for instruction in Ontario’s schools. These students may require focused educational supports to assist them in attaining proficiency in English. 

*ELL students are also known as MLL (Multilingual Language Learners) 

English Literacy Development (ELD): ELD students are those who have had limited opportunities to develop age-appropriate language, literacy, and numeracy skills in their first language due to various factors. These students receive support for both language acquisition and academic upgrading. 

Integrated Support Model 

Our school board utilizes an integrated support model for ELL students. This approach involves collaboration between ESL teachers, classroom teachers, educational resource teachers, and other in-school professionals to provide comprehensive support. By integrating ELL students into mainstream classes, we ensure they receive the necessary language development while participating fully in the academic and social aspects of school life. 

Elementary School Support 

In our elementary schools, scaffolded instruction is provided across all subject areas of the curriculum. This means that teachers use various strategies to support ELL students in understanding and mastering the content, ensuring they can access the curriculum effectively. 

High School ESL Classes 

In addition to the integrated support model, some of our high schools offer dedicated ESL classes to further support English language learners. These classes are designed to help students develop cognitive academic language proficiency in various content areas. ESL credit courses (ESLAO to ESLEO) are available, and up to three ESL courses can be applied to the four compulsory English credits required for diploma purposes. 

STEP Assessment 

Many ELL students will be given a STEP (Steps to English Proficiency) test to determine the level of supports that will best allow them to successfully access the curriculum and demonstrate their knowledge. It’s important to note that the results of the STEP assessment do not change the grade nor affect the marks of our ELL students. This assessment helps us tailor our support to meet each student’s unique needs and to accelerate their learning of English while allowing them to more easily access the curriculum in other subject areas. 

Additionally, these results will assist school staff in determining when our MLL students should participate in EQAO testing as well as the level of accommodation our MLLs need to write EQAO assessments. 

Program Completion 

ELL students will receive the needed supports until they achieve level 6 in all elements of language proficiency. At this point, they will be demitted from our ELL Program, having attained the skills necessary to thrive independently in their academic journey. 

Our Commitment to Diversity 

We have many dedicated classroom and support teachers who strive to make our schools and classrooms welcoming to all. Our schools enjoy and embrace the diversity of our learners, creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. 

Multilingual Registration Forms 

To assist with the registration process, our school registration form is available in seven different languages. This ensures that families can easily register their children and access the necessary information in their preferred language. 

---

We are dedicated to helping all our students succeed and thrive in their educational journey. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at: 

Denise McCabe, MLL Consultant 
Email: denise.mccabe@cdsbeo.on.ca