English Language Learners

• To increase the student's expressive vocabulary
• To anticipate and teach the vocabulary of instruction and assessment
• To increase reading comprehension
• To provide English writing instruction
• To act as an instructional liaison for families new to this country

Our curriculum and instruction are in alignment with Grade Level Standards of Learning (DOE site) linked here in Virginia. In addition, Powhatan County Public Schools incorporate the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA site linked here) English Language Development (ELD) standards site linked here.

What is ELL? 

• ELL is an English Language Learner. 
• It is the educational service provided to students identified as LEP. 

What is LEP? 

• LEP is Limited English Proficient. 
• An LEP student in the Commonwealth of Virginia is classified according to the federal government definition as described in Public Law 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. 

An LEP student is classified as one: 

1. who is aged 3 through 21; 
2. who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school; 
3. 1. who was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English; and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant 
      OR
   2. 1. who is a Native American or Alaska Native, or a native resident of outlying areas; and 
      2. who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual’s level of English language proficiency; OR 
   3. who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; 
      AND 
4. whose difficulties speaking, reading, writing, or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual – 
   1. the ability to meet the State’s proficient level of achievement on State assessments described in section 1111(b)(3); 
   2. the ability to achieve successfully in classrooms where the language of instruction is English; or 
   3. the opportunity to participate fully in society. 
      [P.L. 107-110, Title IX, Part A, Sec. 9101, (25)]