English Language Learners (ELL)

ELL Philosophy Statement

District 203 values students’ diverse backgrounds and their unique contributions to the learning community. In order to empower learners who are meeting the challenges of a new language and culture, District 203 will support English Language Learners as they develop social, cultural, and academic competence by creating a learning environment that:

• Expects students to meet high academic standards
• Facilitates effective communication in English through reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Encourages risk taking and inquiry

In this way, District 203 will provide ELL students with an optimal learning environment in every academic setting.

ELL Contact Information

For further information concerning ELL Services in District 203, please contact Catherine Cohoon, Director of ELL Services, at 630-983-2501 or ccohoon@naperville203.org.

Overview of District 203 ELL Services

Upon enrollment in District 203, all new students must complete a Home Language Survey.  ELL Screening will be conducted for students as appropriate after review of the Home Language Survey. ELL Services are provided for eligible students as determined by ELL Screening.

ELL Services are provided at the following schools:

Beebe Elementary School
Ellsworth Elementary School
Elmwood Elementary School
Kingsley Elementary School
Maplebrook Elementary School
Meadow Glens Elementary School
Mill Street Elementary School
Naper Elementary School
Prairie Elementary School
Ranch View Elementary School
Scott Elementary School
Steeple Run Elementary School

Jefferson Junior High School

Naperville North High School

Transportation is provided by District 203 for ELL students whose home school does not provide ELL services so they may attend a school with services.

Grades K-5 ELL Instruction

• ELL students are placed in regular classrooms; all classroom instruction is conducted in English.  ELL students participate in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science (Social Studies), Art, Music, Physical Education (PE or Gym), Computer and Library classes, etc.
• Individual student needs determine the intensity of ELL instruction. (Most ELL students receive at least one period of ELL instruction daily.)
• ELL instruction for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade is scheduled during regular school hours. The ELL teacher and classroom teacher work collaboratively to plan appropriate instruction for students. 
• The majority of ELL instruction is administered in a small group setting outside of the regular classroom. However, ELL teachers and assistants also provide support within the regular classroom when appropriate.
• An ELL Program Assistant is assigned to each school with ELL services to provide additional support for students as appropriate.

Grades 6-8 ELL Instruction

• ELL students receive ELL instruction at the appropriate instructional level for two periods daily in place of the mainstream Language Arts class.  ELL students are enrolled in mainstream classes for the remainder of their schedule.
•  An ELL Social Science class is available for students who need additional support in that content area.
• A supervised study period is available for ELL students to receive additional support from ELL teachers.
• An ELL Program Assistant is assigned to the program to provide students with additional support during ELL instruction.

Grades 9-12 ELL Instruction

• ELL students receive ELL instruction at the appropriate level in place of a mainstream English class (two periods for Beginning ELL students; one period for students at the Intermediate, Advanced, and Composition/Literature levels.)
• "Sheltered" ELL classes are available in several content-areas for ELL students.  Sheltered content-area classes vary from year to year, depending on students’ needs.
• Since ELL sheltered classes are not available for every possible class, ELL students attend mainstream classes for the remainder of their schedule. ELL Program Assistants are assigned to the ELL program to provide students with additional support in their mainstream classes. 
• A Tutorial period is made available to ELL students in place of a traditional Study Hall period. During Tutorial, an ELL teacher and assistant provide additional support for students as needed.