English Learner

Purpose

Ensure the success of our English Learners (ELs) by enhancing instruction, assisting all students in achieving grade-level standards, and helping EL students reach proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. TIA implements the Arizona Language Development Approach.

AZELLA

AZELLA stands for Arizona English Language Learner Assessment. The AZELLA measures the English proficiency of students who have a primary home language other than English. The assessment is aligned to the English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards. The AZELLA determines a proficiency level of Pre-Emergent, Emergent, Basic, Intermediate, Proficient.

Identification Guidelines:

• Students with a Primary or Home Language Other Than English (PHLOTE) will be identified through the Home Language Survey.

• Students will be identified as PHLOTEs if one or more of the responses on the above forms indicates a language other than English.

Mentoring Students

Students will be monitored for two years after testing proficient on the AZELLA. The first year after testing proficient students are classified as FEP-1 (Fluent English Proficient – 1st Year). After scoring proficient for two consecutive years, students are classified as FEP-2 (Fluent English Proficient – 2nd Year).

Arizona English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards

The Arizona English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards provide a foundation for English language acquisition and the academic development of students who are identified as English Learners. The goal of these standards is to establish criteria to support students who are learning English as an additional language. The ELP Standards present a linguistic foundation in English that will provide English Learners with the skills, abilities, and knowledge to access content information in math, science, and social studies.

Jeannette Cannon

Programs Coordinator

Tucson International Academy

(520) 792-3255